Design and evaluation of the “Feel Good” feasibility study – a multi‐component fruit and vegetable intervention in children measuring cognitive and mental health outcomes

By:
Supa Pengpid, Karl Peltzer, Thanh-Thao Nguyen-Thi, Isareethika Jayasvasti
Date:
2025

A 2025 study by Pengpid et al. found that 68% of Filipino adolescents skipped at least one meal in the past month, with breakfast being the most commonly skipped. Meal skipping was more common among girls, older teens, and those facing food insecurity or low social support. It was linked to poor dietary habits (like low fruit/vegetable intake), mental health issues (including suicidal thoughts), and risky behaviours (like alcohol use and physical inactivity). The study highlights the need for school and family-based interventions to promote regular meals and healthier lifestyles.