<![CDATA[Background: Adolescents are a vulnerable group to nutritional problems that may affect growth, health, concentration, and academic achievement. Based on the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), 7.6% of adolescents aged 13–15 years were underweight or severely underweight, 12.1% were overweight, and 4.1% were obese. The Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) Program is one of the government’s efforts to support the nutritional needs of school-aged children. However, students’ frequency of consuming the meals provided through the program may vary and may be associated with nutritional status. Purpose: To analyze the relationship between consumption of Free Nutritious Meals and nutritional status among students at SMPN “X” Bandar Lampung in 2026. Method: This study employed an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 100 students were selected using simple random sampling. Data on MBG consumption were collected using a structured questionnaire, while nutritional status was determined based on body weight and height measurements using body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age/BAZ) according to z-score values. The relationship was analyzed using Fisher’s Exact test. Results: A total of 77 students (77.0%) had good nutritional status. Regarding MBG consumption, 60 students (60.0%) were categorized as frequent consumers, while 40 students (40.0%) were categorized as infrequent consumers. Among frequent consumers, 44 students (73.3%) had good nutritional status, whereas among infrequent consumers, 33 students (82.5%) had good nutritional status. Fisher’s Exact test showed a significant relationship between MBG consumption and students’ nutritional status (p = 0.011). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between consumption of Free Nutritious Meals and nutritional status among students at SMPN “X” Bandar Lampung in 2026.]]>
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