The public impression of young Hongkongers is that they eat plenty of fast food and snacks, but a university survey shows they are skilled in understanding nutritional information on food labels.
Baptist University surveyed 561 secondary school students about their perceptions of healthy eating, their ability to eat healthily and knowledge of food labels.
The results showed young people regard healthy eating as good for them. Being urged to follow a healthy diet by their families and government campaigns also plays a vital role in their eating habits.
The survey proposed that healthy eating campaigns be directed at adolescents, such as through websites, with eating tips and information on healthy food choices. It said health professionals should encourage the sharing of healthy eating experiences in new media, such as Facebook. Seeing how similar-aged people eat focuses their attention on healthy eating.