ABSTRACT
During a four month scholarly leave in United States of America, researchers designed a culturally appropriate prevention program for eating disorders (ED) for Brazilian adolescent girls. The program "Se Liga na Nutrição" was modeled on other effective programs identified in a research literature review and was carried out over eleven interactive sessions. It was positively received by the adolescents who suggested that it be part of school curricula. The girls reported that it helped them to develop critical thinking skills with regards to sociocultural norms about body image, food and eating practices.
Subject(s)
Body Image , Feeding Behavior/psychology , Feeding and Eating Disorders/prevention & control , Program Evaluation , Adolescent , Brazil , Child , Feeding and Eating Disorders/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Pilot Projects , School Health ServicesABSTRACT
A review of recently published studies on the dieting practices of children and adolescents examines the impact those practices are having on the overall health of youth who are overweight and those who are not. Recommendations for improving the nutritional quality of children's diets are made based on the food consumption patterns of youngsters ages 2 to 18 years. If implemented, these recommendations would lower calories, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, while improving nutrient density. Guidelines for the treatment of childhood overweight from four organizations are presented in chart form.