Socioeconomic Inequalities in Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviours Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Mariana R. Haddad, Flávia M. SartiABSTRACT
Objectives
To synthesize the available evidence on the association between socioeconomic position and adolescents' dietary behaviours and physical activity.
Study Design
Systematic review.
Methods
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and BIREME were searched for observational studies published between January 2005 and February 2026 that examined the association between indicators of socioeconomic position and adolescents' dietary behaviours or physical activity. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists.
Results
A total of 22,897 records were identified, of which 38 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The findings showed socioeconomic inequalities in adolescents' lifestyle behaviours. Higher socioeconomic position was associated with healthier dietary patterns, greater fruit and vegetable intake, and greater participation in organized physical activities. In contrast, lower socioeconomic position was associated with poorer diet quality, more frequent breakfast skipping, and higher consumption of energy‐dense or ultra‐processed foods, whereas associations with total physical activity and sedentary behaviour were inconsistent. Parental education showed the most consistent associations with dietary behaviours. Methodological quality was rated as high in 15 studies, moderate in 13, and low in 10.
Conclusions
Socioeconomic position is consistently associated with adolescents' dietary behaviours, whereas its associations with physical activity and sedentary behaviour vary by domain and setting. Reducing these inequalities will require public health strategies that improve equitable access to healthy food environments and safe opportunities for physical activity while addressing the broader social and environmental determinants of health.