Based on 41 review articles containing studies from Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States, the researchers arrived at the following main results:

  • Most review articles show small, positive effects of nutrition interventions.
  • Most studies find positive effects on behavioral determinants such as knowledge and confidence in one’s own abilities (so-called self-efficacy).
  • The majority of studies also find positive effects on behavior, mainly on fruit and vegetable consumption.
  • Health measures such as BMI are measured less frequently and show mixed effects.

The researchers consider it important to teach young people healthy and sustainable eating habits; food education contributes to this. They recommend choosing interventions consisting of multiple components, preferably experiential activities combined with lessons, food provision and a parent component.

Read more about the research here.