Association of mindful eating, nutrition label literacy, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption with nutritional status among adolescents in Tangerang, Indonesia

Abstract

Adolescent nutritional status is a major public health concern because it affects growth and development in this age group. In Indonesia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents continues to increase, partly due to the high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Mindful eating and nutrition label literacy may promote healthier consumption behavior. This study examined the associations between mindful eating, nutrition label literacy, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption with the nutritional status of adolescents. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in May 2025 at Public Junior High School 31 in Tangerang City. A total of 160 participants were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using the Mindful Eating Questionnaire, Nutrition Label Literacy Questionnaire, Food Frequency Questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements to determine BMI-for-age. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation tests were performed. Mindful eating (p < 0.001; r = 0.494) and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (p < 0.001; r = 0.601) were significantly associated with nutritional status. Nutrition label literacy was also significantly associated with nutritional status, although the correlation was weak (p = 0.049; r = −0.156). In conclusion, higher mindful eating and lower sugar sweetened beverage consumption were associated with better nutritional status in adolescents.