Sociocultural and Commercial Factors (Enablers and Barriers))

Family ENABLERS

Parents who model healthy eating encourage children to copy those habits and make better food choices. E.g., A parent who packs fruit in their child's lunchbox daily.

Family BARRIERS

If a family often eats fast food or unhealthy meals, children are more likely to pick up these habits too. E.g., A family that eats takeaway every night.

Peer Group ENABLERS

Friends can support each other by choosing healthy meals, boosting body confidence, and encouraging good habits. EG A group of teens who bring salads or sushi to school.

Peer Group BARRIERS

Peer pressure can lead to bad habits like skipping meals, dieting too much, or eating lots of junk food to fit in. EG A teen skips lunch because their friends are dieting.

Income ENABLER

High income allows people to buy a variety of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and fresh meals. EG A family that can afford organic veggies and fresh meat.

Income BARRIERS

Low income may force people to buy cheaper, unhealthy processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. EG A person buys $1 instant noodles instead of fresh food.

Education ENABLER

More education means better understanding of nutrition, reading food labels, and making informed food choices. EG A uni student chooses high-fibre cereal after reading labels.

Education BARRIER

Less education may limit people’s knowledge about nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals. EG A person doesn’t know soft drink has added sugars and drinks it daily.

Religeon ENABLER

Some religions promote healthy eating habits.
👉 E.g., Buddhists who follow a mostly vegetarian diet.

Religion BARRIERS

Religious rules may limit access to some healthy foods.
👉 E.g., A person avoids meat and doesn’t replace it with iron-rich options.

Cultural Group ENABLER

Traditional diets may include lots of veggies, grains, and legumes.
👉 E.g., Mediterranean diet includes olive oil, fish, and fresh produce.

Cultural Group BARRIERS

Some cultural foods may be high in fat or sugar.
👉 E.g., Deep-fried foods in some traditional celebrations.

Gender ENABLER

Women often make more health-conscious food choices.
👉 E.g., A teenage girl who checks nutrition labels before buying snacks.

Gender BARRIER

Some men may feel pressure to eat large or “masculine” meals.
👉 E.g., A man orders a big steak and avoids salad to seem tough.