Tag: Academic achievement

According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets and poor nutrition are among the top risk factors for numerous chronic diseases, and a student's unhealthy eating habits can significantly impact their present and future health. Knowing how eating unhealthy affects students is the first step toward building more nutritious lifestyles for better academic and personal outcomes.

According to a systematic review published by the National Institutes of Health, frequent junk food consumption is consistently associated with lower academic achievement among children and adolescents. But exactly how does junk food affect school performance beyond surface-level observations, and what are the precise mechanisms at play? This comprehensive guide delves into the physiological, psychological, and behavioral factors linking poor diets to poorer grades.

Research consistently shows that students who eat a nutritious breakfast perform better academically, exhibiting improved concentration and cognitive function. A healthy morning meal jumpstarts a student's day by replenishing glucose, which is essential fuel for the brain after an overnight fast.

Research has consistently shown that students who are chronically hungry tend to earn poorer grades, lower test scores, and have higher rates of absenteeism. The impact of food on the academic performance of students is a multifaceted issue that influences cognitive function, behavior, and long-term health outcomes.

A 2025 study in the journal *Nutrients* found that Spanish adolescents consuming higher amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consistently had lower grades in language, math, and English. This research highlights the growing evidence suggesting a significant connection between processed food consumption and lower academic achievement in young people.

According to the School Nutrition Association, over 29 million students are served lunch each day through the National School Lunch Program. This critical midday meal plays a vital role, as the benefits of healthy school lunches and how they impact performance directly affect student success both in and out of the classroom.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 18% of high school students skip breakfast every day, a behavior linked to poorer mental health and lower grades. This is a major concern when considering why is breakfast so important for students and their success in and out of the classroom.

According to a 2017 study using data from the Korea Youth's Risk Behavior Web-Based Study involving nearly 65,000 students, those who consumed breakfast frequently exhibited higher academic achievement. This research confirms that **is the association between frequency of breakfast consumption and academic performance in healthy Korean adolescents** a significant one, with regular habits being positively correlated with better school results.

According to the CDC, approximately 18% of US high school students reported skipping breakfast every day in 2023, a habit linked to lower academic achievement and poor mental health. This highlights why understanding the importance of breakfast for students is vital for their educational journey.

According to the World Food Programme, millions of students globally attend school on an empty stomach, which significantly impedes their ability to learn. Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, creates a multitude of barriers that profoundly affect a student's educational journey. These effects range from impaired cognitive functions to behavioral problems and reduced school attendance, ultimately undermining academic success and future prospects.