C.C. Gilbert*1, M.J. Sanchez2, C. Lehoux3, A. Hegyi4, A. Åström5, G. Hall5, G. Merino2, A. Masson3, L. Fontaine3 and T. Kuti4 on behalf of the HELENA study group www.helenastudy.com 1

1) Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association (UK), c.gilbert@remove-this.campden.co.uk

2) ainia centro tecnologico (ES),

3) Meurice Recherche et Developpement asbl (BE),

4) Campden & Chorleywood Magyarország Kht (HU),

5) SIK-Institutet foer livsmedel och bioteknik (SE)

Increasing rates of obesity in younger people have prompted the need for a better understanding of the determinants, preferences, habits and attitudes surrounding adolescents' food choice and healthy eating. The EU-funded HELENA study (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) is designed to address some of these issues, by examining and enhancing nutritional and lifestyle habits of adolescents in Europe.

Within the scope of this study, qualitative research was undertaken in five European countries: Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Sweden and the UK. A total of 44 focus groups (304 adolescents in total) took place, where the groups were divided evenly by gender and age (13-14 and 15-16 years old). The discussion guide, translated for each country, covered a wide range of aspects including eating habits; influences on food choice; favourite foods; healthy foods; traditional foods; healthy lifestyle and physical activity; and sources of information.

There were many similarities across the five countries with regard to factors influencing food choices. By far, 'taste' was the most important factor across all meal occasions and all countries. It is also clear that parents still exert an important influence, particularly at dinner. Other important influences were 'habit', 'health' and convenience factors such as 'easy to prepare' and 'readily available'.

There were some differences between countries; for example, 'habit' was an important influence (particularly on breakfast and snacks) in Belgium and Spain whereas this had less influence on food choices in the UK and Hungary. Interestingly, 'school' is an important factor in Sweden, having an influence at both breakfast and lunch.

Key barriers towards healthy eating were identified as: - Healthy food tastes bad or is 'boring' - Healthy food doesn't fill you up - Healthy food takes too much effort - Healthy food is too expensive - Lack of immediate concern about unhealthy eating habits or lifestyle - Misconceptions combined with a lack of nutritional knowledge regarding healthy eating (theory and practice) Differences in meal patterns were also observed between countries. However, snacking between meals (especially when coming home from school) was a consistent finding across all countries.

As might be expected, food choices and preferences at each meal occasion varied from country to country. Conclusions suggest that eating habits and lifestyles could be improved by developing healthy foods that appeal to the taste and hunger needs of adolescents, and by challenging the many perceived barriers to healthy eating.

Acknowledgements

Industrial partners: SERRANO (ES); CEDERROTH (SE); PASA (ES); CEREALIA (SE)

Funding: European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme

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