Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

616 ALICE CALLAHAN, PHD, HEATHER LEONARD, MED, RDN, AND TAMBERLY POWELL, MS, RDN
If a child gains weight inappropriate to growth, parents and caregivers should nurture
eating competence and follow the division of responsibility as previously discussed in this
unit. In addition, it is extremely beneficial to increase a child’s physical activity and limit
sedentary activities, such as watching television, playing video games, or surfing the Internet.
Programs to address childhood obesity can include behavior modification, exercise
counseling, psychological support or therapy, family counseling, and family meal-planning
advice. For most, the goal is not weight loss, but rather allowing height to catch up with
weight as the child continues to grow. Rapid weight loss is not recommended for preteens
or younger children due to the risk of deficiencies and stunted growth.
Nutritionally Vulnerable
One of the psychological and emotional changes that takes place during this life stage
includes the desire for independence as adolescents develop individual identities apart from
their families. One way that teenagers assert their independence is by choosing what to eat.
They have their own money to purchase food and tend to eat more meals away from home.
Too many poor choices can make young people nutritionally vulnerable.
At this life stage, young people still need the structure of family meals. Evidence shows
that eating family meals is associated with nutritional benefits, including eating a diet with
more fruits, vegetables, fiber, and micronutrients, and less fried food, soda, and saturated
and trans fat. 6
Self-Check: