The Triple Burden Phenomenon and Eating Behaviors of Generation Z: A Phenomenological Study among Health Students

Lutfiah Ramadhani; Nadya Ulfa Tanjung

doi:10.54639/kks.v4i2.1720

The Triple Burden Phenomenon and Eating Behaviors of Generation Z: A Phenomenological Study among Health Students

Lutfiah Ramadhani, Nadya Ulfa Tanjung

Abstract

The digital era has transformed dietary behaviors among Generation Z, contributing to the triple burden of malnutrition. This study explored the experiences of health students at the Faculty of Public Health, State Islamic University of North Sumatra, focusing on the relationship between social media exposure, eating patterns, and self-efficacy. A qualitative phenomenological approach was applied with ten participants. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and 3x24-hour food recalls, then analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s framework. Findings revealed that seven participants consumed excessive calories, averaging 2,102 kcal/day, above recommended levels. Social media food content, particularly simulacra and mukbang, triggered increased appetite and grazing patterns, with frequent snacking episodes accounting for more than half of daily intake. Low self-efficacy in portion control further reinforced overeating behaviors, even among students with adequate nutrition knowledge. These patterns illustrate overnutrition within the broader triple burden of malnutrition. Social media creates a hyperreality that shapes consumption beyond biological needs, complicating nutritional challenges in the digital age. Strengthening digital literacy and enhancing self-efficacy are essential strategies to mitigate the risks of overeating and address the triple burden among Generation Z.

Keywords

malnutrition; feeding behavior; social media; self efficacy

References

Arsita, A. (2018). Simulakra Baudrillard dalam Multidimensi Posmodernisme: Kajian Fotografi Makanan dalam Media Sosial Instagram. REKAM: Jurnal Fotografi, Televisi, dan Animasi, 13(2), 85. https://doi.org/10.24821/REKAM.V13I2.1932

Andriani, H., Friska, E., Arsyi, M. et al. A multilevel analysis of the triple burden of malnutrition in Indonesia: trends and determinants from repeated cross-sectional surveys. BMC Public Health 23, 1836 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16728-y

Ariestiningsih, E. S., & Has, D. F. S. (2024). Factors that Cause Unhealthy Eating Behavior in Generation (Gen) Z of Indonesia: a Case Study . Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, 3(2), 413–426. https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v3i2.8049

Bakti, I. S., Nirzalin, N., & Alwi, A. (2019). Konsumerisme dalam Perspektif Jean Baudrillard. Jurnal Sosiologi USK (Media Pemikiran & Aplikasi), 13(2), 147–166. https://doi.org/10.24815/jsu.v13i2.15925

Baudrillard, J. (2018). Masyarakat Konsumsi (7th ed.). Kreasi Wacana.

Bandura A. Bandura Social Learning Theory. General Learning Press; 1971.

Buksh, S. M., de Wit, J. B. F., & Hay, P. (2022). Sociocultural Influences Contribute to Overeating and Unhealthy Eating: Creating and Maintaining an Obesogenic Social Environment in Indigenous Communities in Urban Fiji. Nutrients, 14(14), 2803. https://doi.org/10.3390/NU14142803

Bartoskova Polcrova, A., Ksinan Jiskrova, G., Bobak, M., Pikhart, H., Klánová, J., & Ksinan, A. J. (2024). Early life social conditions and adverse experiences are associated with childhood BMI and perceived overeating. Pediatric Obesity. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpo.13179

Chung, A., Vieira, D., Donley, T., & Sallis, J. F. (2021). Adolescent peer influence on eating behaviors via social media: Scoping review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(6), e19697. https://doi.org/10.2196/19697

Dolot, A. (2018). The characteristics of Generation Z. e-mentor, (74), 44-50. https://doi.org/10.15219/em74.1351

Dakanalis, A., Mentzelou, M., Papadopoulou, S. K., & Voulgaridou, A. (2023). The Association of Emotional Eating with Overweight/Obesity, Depression, Anxiety/Stress, and Dietary Patterns: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence. Nutrients, 15(5), 1173. https://doi.org/10.3390/NU15051173

Dumlu Bilgin, G., Keküllüo?lu Tan, M., Y?ld?r?m, G. A., Sar?gül, S., Güzel, D., & Sökeli, N. (2024). Elucidating the role of social media usage on eating behavior and hedonic hunger in college students: a cross-sectional design. Current Psychology, 43(34), 27613–27622. https://doi.org/10.1007/S12144-024-06350-5

Filippone, L., Shankland, R., & Hallez, Q. (2022). The relationships between social media exposure, food craving, cognitive impulsivity and cognitive restraint. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/S40337-022-00698-4

Halicka, E., Kaczorowska, J., Rejman, K., & Plichta, M. (2025). Investigating the Consumer Choices of Gen Z: A Sustainable Food System Perspective. Nutrients, 17(3), 591. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030591

Kilat, S., Promosi, E. B. M. P. (2024). Connection Habit Snacks and Consumption Food with the Nutritional Status of Children at Elementary School Inpres 08 Mamboro. Jurnal.Unismuhpalu.Ac.Id, 7(8). https://doi.org/10.56338/mppki.v7i8.5978

Makkuaseng, M. A., & Fadilla, R. (2023). Foodstagramming: Masyarakat Hiperrealitas Sebagai Penunjang Status Sosial. SOSIORELIGIUS, 8(2).

Malini, H. (2021). Gaya Konsumsi Dan Perilaku Konsumen Generasi Z Di Warung Kopi.

Mondéjar-Jiménez, J., Ferrari, G., & Vargas-Vargas, M. (2023). Impact of Generation Z on the Food Industry: A Systematic Literature Review. Foods, 12(4), 806. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12040806

Özbey, H., Efe, Y. S., & Bayat, M. (2024). Body mass index and social media addiction as predictors of hedonic hunger in adolescents. Journal of Health Psychology, 30(2), 187-198. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053241305201

Oliveira, L., BinMowyna, M. N., Alasqah, I., & Al-Daghri, N. M. (2024). A Pilot Study on Dietary Choices at Universities: Vending Machines, Canteens, and Lunch from Home. Nutrients, 16(11), 1722. https://doi.org/10.3390/NU16111722

Oikarinen, N., Jokelainen, T., Heikkilä, L., & Karhunen, L. (2023). Low eating self-efficacy is associated with unfavorable eating behavior tendencies among individuals with overweight and obesity. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 7730. https://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-023-34513-0

Patwardhan, V., Mallya, J., S K, & Kumar, D. (2024). Influence of social media on young adults’ food consumption behavior: scale development. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2391016

Polivy, J., & Herman, C. P. (2020). Overeating in Restrained and Unrestrained Eaters. Frontiers in Nutrition, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.00030

Pan American Health Organization. (2022). Obesity prevalence in the Americas. PAHO Report Series No. 45.

Ragelien?, T., & Grønhøj, A. (2020). The influence of peers’ and siblings’ on children’s and adolescents’ healthy eating behavior. A systematic literature review. Appetite, 148, 104592. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APPET.2020.104592

Setyaningsih, A., Mulyasari, I., Afiatna, P., & Putri, H. R. (2024). Hubungan Konsumsi Makanan Olahan Ultra Proses dengan Kualitas Diet dan Status Gizi Lebih pada Usia Dewasa Muda. Amerta Nutrition, 8(1), 124–129.

Sitoayu, L., Dewanti, L. P., Melani, V., Sumitra, P. A., & Marpaung, M. R. (2023). Differences in Eating Habits, Stress, and Weight Changes Among Indonesian Generations Y and Z Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Research and Health, 13(2), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.32598/JRH.13.2.2076.1

Sogari, G., Velez-Argumedo, C., Gómez, M. I., & Mora, C. (2018). College students and eating habits: A study using an ecological model for healthy behavior. Nutrients, 10(12), 1823. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121823

Paipongna, M. (2022). IFIC Food & Health Survey spotlight: Generation Z. International Food Information Council. https://ific.org/research/spotlight-generation-z/

Rah, J. H., Melse-Boonstra, A., Agustina, R., van Zutphen, K. G., & Kraemer, K. (2021). The triple burden of malnutrition among adolescents in Indonesia. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 42(3), 325-341. https://doi.org/10.1177/03795721211007114

Ragelien?, T., & Grønhøj, A. (2020). The influence of peers' and siblings' on children's and adolescents' healthy eating behavior: A systematic literature review. Appetite, 148, Article 104592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2020.104592

Suwalska, J., & Bogda?ski, P. (2021). Social Modeling and Eating Behavior—A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 13(4), 1209. https://doi.org/10.3390/NU13041209

Syarofi, Z. N., & Muniroh, L. (2020). Apakah Perilaku Dan Asupan Makan Berlebih Berkaitan Dengan Stress Pada Mahasiswa Gizi Yang Menyusun Skripsi? [Whether There is A Correlation Between Behavior and Excess Food Intake with the Stress in Nutrition Student Who Preparing for the Undergraduate Thesis?]. Media Gizi Indonesia, 15(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.20473/MGI.V15I1.38-44

State of Snacking Report. (2023). Global snacking trends among Generation Z. The Nielsen Company.

Tahir, N. S., Ahmad, Y., Bustami, M. R., Abd Hamid, S. N. F., Muhammad Zamri, N. E. M., & Mulyany, R. (2023). Understanding the Perception of Generation Z towards Fast Food’s Product Safety, Nutrition, and Health. Asian Journal of Environment-Behaviour Studies, 8(25), 63–81. https://doi.org/10.21834/aje-bs.v8i25.429

UNICEF Indonesia. Nutrition. UNICEF. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.unicef.org/indonesia/nutrition

Zhou, L., Chu, Y., Wei, L., Wang, J., & Zhu, X. (2022). Diet self-management: A qualitative study of college students' experiences and perspectives. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, Article 1059818. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1059818

Qutteina, Y., Hallez, L., Mennes, N., De Backer, C., & Smits, T. (2019). What do adolescents see on social media? A diary study of food marketing images on social media. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, Article 2637. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02637

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54639/kks.v4i2.1720