Detrimental Effects of Life Transitions on Dietary Health

Past research documents that life transitions trigger changes in lifestyles and consumption patterns [1-3]. This is primarily attributed to changes in consumer identity [4,5], changes in household resources [6] and situational challenges, i.e., stress [7]. Notably, a key area of consumption that changes during life transitions is diet composition [6]. For example, unemployment can trigger a significant increase in the intake of animal-based foods, and consequently fat and protein, and in the longer run increase the intake of carbohydrates and added sugar [8]. Another example shows that getting divorced puts men at a 23% higher risk of apoplexy than married men, single men (that have never been married), or women. This is partly attributed to their lack of dietary adaptation skills upon divorce [9]. Also, research suggests that living with parents during university studies-rather than having your own bachelor household - can be associated with better eating habits and lower prevalence of overweight and obesity [10].