Eating meals with parents is linked to healthier diets in Brazilian teenagers

Frequent sharing of meals with parents (≥ 5 days/week) was seen in 74% of Brazilian adolescents.

• Adolescents who eat meals with parents more frequently are 22% more likely to consume beans regularly.
• Those sharing meals at least five days a week are 34% more likely to frequently eat fruits.
• Frequent meal sharing is associated with a 39% higher likelihood of consuming vegetables.
• Conversely, this habit is linked to a 9% lower likelihood of frequently consuming sweets.
• Adolescents dining with parents are also 9% less likely to regularly eat ultra-processed salty foods.
• Eating meals with parents is positively associated with healthy diet scores and negatively associated with unhealthy diet scores.

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