Finding nutritious food is also difficult in schools, which often have contracts with fast-food suppliers and drinks companies. Teenage boys in the US each drink an average of 868 cans of fizzy drinks per year. Exercise in schools has become less important too. A recent report showed that almost half of all US teens aged 12–21 got no vigorous exercise on a regular basis. But obesity is no longer only America’s problem – Europe is also getting fatter. It is estimated that over one million children in the UK are obese and this number has trebled over the past 20 years.

Food and nutrition in schools has a direct influence on students’ performance in the classroom and poor diet has negative effects on both concentration and behaviour. Jamie Oliver, a British celebrity chef, introduced the idea of healthier school food in a TV programme in 2005. As a result of this, many schools in England changed their lunch menus and introduced vending machines selling fresh fruit, nuts, and yoghurt drinks. These, however, are not always popular with the pupils, who continue to buy junk food outside school for snacks and lunch. It is important to educate students about diet, nutrition, and healthy eating habits, and this needs to happen in schools.

A well-balanced diet provides all the energy you need to stay active throughout the day. Nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness, such as some cancers.