The impact of snacking habits and physical activity on body composition in overweight and obese adolescents: A longitudinal study differentiating home and school environments.

Summary: For teenagers struggling with weight, the school calendar might be just as important as the cafeteria menu. A new study tracking 74 adolescents found that the structure of the school semester helps keep body fat in check, thanks to higher physical activity and better snacking choices. However, when winter holidays arrive and kids stay home, healthy habits often slide—leading to increased snacking on low-protein foods and a rise in body fat. The takeaway? To fight obesity, holidays require extra vigilance: keep teens moving and swap sugary treats for high-protein snacks.