Introduction. Rational and balanced nutrition in adolescence determines the proper development of the human body, and often determines the health condition of further stages of life. The three-year period of junior high school is the time of important changes, and the psychophysical specific maturing climax. Aim. To rate habits of Lodz junior high school students; to draw conclusions on possible preventive measures, prevention and education, supporting the moderation of the learning process in schools, and supporting parents’ substantive upbringing and caring actions. Material and methods. The survey (a leading method) and an interview (a complementary method) included randomly selected students of grades I-III from two Lodz junior high schools – public schools and non-public schools – a total of 218 junior high school students. Results. Among the many parameters observed, characterizing eating habits, the most shocking is the fact that only 60.5% of respondents always have breakfast before classes start. More than 11% do not have such a meal. At school 80% of pupils have meals prepared at home – primarily in the form of sandwiches. Conclusions. Although the relationship between the proper nutrition and health condition is quite obvious and generally uncontested, the practice in this field does not always keep up with the theory. Recommendations of doctors and nutritionists, educational content included within the current school core curriculum, campaigns on healthy eating, as well as the popularization of scientific research in the field of medical science and related disciplines are of great importance.

Key words: nutrition, student, junior high school.