Nutritionists in Spain report a progressive decline in the adherence of children and adolescents to the Mediterranean diet, according to reports from Servimedia and EFE. Data indicates a shift toward less healthy eating patterns, with approximately 20% of schoolchildren now consuming a second dinner, or “recena,” late in the evening.
Why is adherence to the Mediterranean diet falling among children?
Health experts warn that minors are increasingly rejecting the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern, which emphasizes olive oil, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and fish. According to reports from Infosalus and Diario en Positivo, this “progressive loss” of adherence suggests a generational shift in eating habits that moves away from nutrient-dense, whole foods.
The decline is characterized by a preference for processed options over the balanced staples of the Mediterranean region. Nutritionists cited by Servimedia indicate that this trend represents a regression in public health, as the Mediterranean diet is globally recognized for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and obesity.
What is the “recena” trend and how does it affect students?
While traditional healthy habits are declining, a new eating pattern is becoming established among youth. According to EFE, 20% of schoolchildren now eat dinner twice, a practice known as recena (late-night snacking or a second supper).
This habit often involves consuming calorie-dense foods late at night, long after the primary evening meal. Reports from 20Minutos highlight a contradiction in current youth behavior: while young people are increasingly prone to ignore the guidelines of the Mediterranean diet, they are strictly adhering to the habit of the late-night snack.
Which populations are most at risk?
The dietary shift is most pronounced among school-aged children and adolescents. Public health authorities and nutritionists emphasize that these years are critical for establishing lifelong eating habits. The combination of lower adherence to a balanced diet and the introduction of unnecessary late-night calories increases the risk of childhood obesity and related metabolic issues.
- Schoolchildren: 20% are reported to be eating a second dinner.
- Adolescents: Showing a marked rejection of Mediterranean staples in favor of modern, processed alternatives.
- Minors generally: Experiencing a “progressive loss” of dietary adherence.
What are the implications for public health?
The move away from the Mediterranean diet is viewed by experts as a regression. Because this dietary pattern is linked to lower incidences of chronic illness, the shift toward processed foods and late-night eating could lead to a higher prevalence of health complications in adulthood.
Nutritionists alert that the habit of the recena disrupts natural fasting periods and adds surplus calories that are not offset by physical activity, further compounding the risks associated with the loss of traditional dietary habits.
