Troubling Trends: Few Parents Equip Teens with Healthy Eating Strategies, Especially During Holidays
A new national poll reveals a important gap between parental awareness of their teenagers’ eating habits and the guidance they provide to navigate healthy choices, notably during the often-indulgent holiday season. The University of Michigan health C.S. Mott children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health found that parents increasingly struggle to discuss nutrition with their children as teens gain independence in their food choices, a challenge amplified by the prevalence of food-centered celebrations. While a majority of parents recognize potential issues with their teen’s eating, few offer concrete strategies for making healthier decisions during festive gatherings.
One in three parents report difficulty discussing food and weight with their teen, a figure that jumps to over half among those who perceive their child as overweight. “Weight can be a sensitive topic with young peopel,” explained Susan Woolford, M.D., co-director of the Mott Poll and a Mott pediatrician. “But parents play an vital role in offering guidance and watching for problematic eating behaviors. The holiday season is a key prospect for supportive, nonjudgmental conversations.”
The poll, based on responses from 970 parents of teens aged 13-17 surveyed in August 2025, paints a concerning picture of adolescent eating patterns. Only half of parents believe their teen consistently eats three meals a day. Parental perceptions of their teen’s weight also vary considerably, with one in seven describing their child as underweight and one in five as overweight.
Problematic Eating Behaviors on the Rise
The data highlights a range of perhaps unhealthy behaviors. Just under a third of parents report their teen eats out of boredom or engages in mindless eating. An additional 11% say their teen continues to eat even after feeling full, and 10% report eating in response to stress. these behaviors are significantly more prevalent among parents who identify their teen as overweight.
Nearly a third of parents also note their teen has no consistent eating pattern, while 13% report frequent snacking throughout the day and 9% say their teen regularly skips breakfast. A major contributing factor is the demanding schedules of modern teenagers, encompassing school, extracurriculars, work, and social commitments.”When teens are rushing between activities, they tend to grab whatever is quick and available,” Woolford noted. “Often that means processed snacks or fast food that are higher in calories and lower in nutritional value.” She recommends parents proactively stock healthy, convenient “grab-and-go” options and involve teens in selecting items and understanding nutrition labels.
Limited Guidance Offered During the Holidays
Despite these concerns, the poll reveals that relatively few parents actively equip their teens with strategies for navigating large holiday meals. Only 8% suggest eating something healthy beforehand to avoid overeating, 5% advise deciding in advance what to eat or avoid, 2% recommend choosing low-calorie foods, 10% suggest increasing exercise to “burn off” calories, and a mere 1% recommend dieting or fasting the following day.
Far more common are general directives like “eat in moderation” (33%) or “eat whatever you want” (38%). “Even small, practical tips like having a healthy snack beforehand can help teens feel more in control at big meals,” Woolford emphasized.
Body Image Concerns Escalate
The poll also uncovered troubling signs of negative self-image among teenagers. 14% of parents have heard their teen express feelings of being “to fat,” 11% report discussions about dieting or fasting after a large meal, and 8% say their teen attempts to conceal their body with baggy clothing. These concerns are markedly more frequent among parents who describe their teen as overweight.
Parents often hesitate to discuss weight or eating habits, fearing it could damage their teen’s self-esteem. However, avoiding the conversation can allow unhealthy patterns to persist. “If parents notice a teen expressing repeated negative thoughts about their body or showing unhealthy eating patterns, it’s a good time to reach out to the teen’s health care provider,” Woolford advised. “These conversations don’t have to be about appearance. They can focus on energy, strength and overall well-being.”
