Teachers' dietary habits are vital for maintaining their health and energy, which is essential for effective job performance. This study aimed to examine the dietary habits of teachers working in state elementary schools in Serbia. A total of 67 teachers (62 women, 5 men) from the capital city and other areas participated in this cross-sectional pilot study, conducted via an online survey. Data were collected on eating habits, use of supplements, presence of food allergies and chronic diseases, and engaging in physical activity. Nearly half of participants (49.2%) reported eating three meals a day, while 47.8% regularly had breakfast. While working the morning shift, 77.6% teachers ate one meal at school, and most (65.7%) brought food from home. Over 50% of participants regularly consumed meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and cereals, did not take dietary supplements, and were not following any special diets. Most participants engaged in some form of physical activity. Significant differences were found in body mass index (BMI) (p=0.041), meal frequency during the day and morning shift (p=0.012 and p=0.030, respectively), bakery product consumption (p=0.050), and special diet adherence (p=0.001) between teachers living in the capital city and those in other areas. The results highlight the importance of reducing bakery product intake, offering teachers healthier meal choices at work, and encouraging adherence to nutritionist-recommended diets. These initiatives will support teachers in sustaining their health and vitality and position them as role models, fostering healthy habits in children and contributing to a healthier society.
Petrović et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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