29/08/2026
๐ฐ ๐ก๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ก๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ-๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฎ
๐Cagayan de Oro City
๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐: ๐ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฝ
โ๐ผ by Jewell Marie I. Flores โ BSND Intern, Lourdes College
Why does a teenager suddenly crave milk tea after hearing friends talk about it all day? For most teenagers, food options are not only made by taste or hunger anymore. They are indeed shaped by the people surrounding them. Also, social media adds pressure, with eye-catching food posts and trending snacks making teenagers feel like they need to catch up. Nowadays, eating becomes connected to popularity, friendships, and belonging instead of health. According to Chung et al. (2021), social media is one of the strongest platforms that influences how teenagers view and choose their food today, especially when trends quickly spread online.
Many teenagers are unaware of how much their peers influence their habits until unhealthy choices begin to feel normal. In school settings, groups often choose the same food because no one wants to be โdifferent.โ Some even skip meals after hearing comments about body image or weight. Over time, this can harm health through nutrient deficiencies, eating disorders, and weight gain by what may start out as simply a need to fit in. Zhou et al. (2023), found that teenagers often pick unhealthy snacks when friends do the same, showing strong peer influence.
However, peer pressure can also be positive. Friends who choose healthy foods or share fitness activities can encourage others to do the same. As stated by Tasdelen et al. (2025), even one health-conscious friend can make healthy choices feel normal. Peer pressure creates a sense of accountability because teens are aware that their actions are noticed by their peers. As a result, they feel responsible for maintaining good habits and supporting one another in making healthier decisions.
As teenagers develop their identity, they are easily influenced by trends, invitations, and comments. Despite this, they should consider food choices that affect their health and make informed decisions. Following the Pinggang Pinoy for Teens can help them choose a balanced diet by including the right portions of vegetables and fruits, rice or other energy-giving foods, and protein-rich foods for healthy growth and development.
Overall, food choices reflect how peer pressure affects decision making, confidence, and overall well-being. Families, schools, and communities should help support healthy eating, as even one supportive friend can encourage better habits and choices.
