Power of social connection in shaping eating habits

Humans are social beings, and the relationships we build with family, friends and our community play a key role in overall health. 

Studies show that strong social connections make us happier, improve our well-being, and even help us live longer. But did you know that the people around you also influence what and how you eat?

Today, easy access to fast food, large portion sizes and aggressive food marketing are common, making it hard to maintain a balanced diet. But while we often talk about how money and availability affect our food choices, we forget that the people in our lives also play a role in this. 

For example, according to research, people tend to eat more when in groups than when they eat alone. Also, if your friends enjoy healthy foods, you are more likely to follow their lead. If they love junk food, the same can probably be said of you.

Yes, the desire to belong and be accepted is evident, even in matters of food!

Many young people are, thus, drawn to fast foods because their friends find these trendy, and school children may pressure parents for specific snack foods for the sole reason that it is what their friends and mates bring to school.

Digital social connection

While digital social connection has made it easier to share nutrition knowledge, it has also contributed to negative eating behaviours.

The convenience of online food delivery services and the distraction caused by excessive screen time often lead to mindless eating, unhealthy snacking and reduced focus on balanced meals.Many are influenced by social media food trends, which may not usually promote nutritious eating.

On the other end of the spectrum, lack of social connection e.g., living alone or experiencing loneliness can lead to irregular eating habits, less nutritious meals and lack of motivation for healthy eating, especially for older adults, causing nutritional deficiencies and health complications.Such ones need social support from family, friends and the community to reduce social isolation and support healthy eating habits.

Social influence  

Social influence can be leveraged to promote better nutrition.For instance, shared meals provide opportunities for individuals to make mindful food choices and establish strong dietary routines. 

Moreover, social media can be a highly effective platform for health influencers and nutrition experts to propagate wholesome food choices and sound nutrition among the general public.The gatekeepers of our health must not leave social media spaces for unscrupulous persons with questionable motives.

Furthermore, food-sharing programmes, such as food banks and surplus redistribution are known to be effective in improving access to nutritious food, especially for low-income households. 

Gardening initiatives, including backyard and community gardens, empower people to grow fresh produce, enhancing dietary diversity.These approaches reduce food insecurity and help to promote healthier eating habits to satisfy the nutritional needs of people.

In Ghana, organisations like Food for All Africa and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), which support such efforts, are to be commended.When handled right, our social connections will be a veritable force for promoting food nutrition.

Authored by: Ivy Dunyo and Dr Anna Amoako-Mensah