Author(s): Dr. Lizmitha Godwin and Shamila TR

Abstract:
Adolescence is a period when a particular life style is acquired and in his process many youngsters adopt health compromising behaviors (Devadas, R.P. and Jaya, N., 1985) ^[1]. The change in the consumption pattern in the recent years has created a high demand for food products in processed and preserved form to suit the changing life style. Many of the adolescents exhibit peculiar food habits. Peer influence is found to be the cause of faulty eating habits of most of the adolescents. Generally this becomes a habit resulting in a host of malnutrition related problem. Soft drinks consumption had a dramatic increase among all groups, especially among the adolescents. Adolescents are at risk for overweight, obesity, and chronic non communicable diseases - particularly diabetes - due to inadequate eating habits. Habits acquired during adolescence may persist into adulthood, as may overweight and obesity present during this stage. The study on soft drinks and snacks usage among adolescent girls was conducted among 50 adolescent girls in Morning Star Home Science College Hostel, Angamaly, revealed that majority of the students that consumed soft drinks, because of its more tasty and they ate just for an enjoyment. The taste of fast foods and the ease of availability were the main reason for adolescent preference towards bakeries and cool bars.