The Eating Behaviour of Young People Essay -- Adolescence

Adolescence is a stage in life that has many biological, cognitive and sociocultural changes. This stage in life is when individuals are most vulnerable and health behaviors play an important role in their future. An adolescent today is bombarded with many behaviors that can affect their future such as smoking, drug use, and sex. These behaviors can add immediate and severe consequences but there are other health behaviors such as eating choices and physical activity that can carry seeks as well (Lytle, 2002).Lytle explains that there is data that suggests that adolescents current eating behaviors are putting them at risk for many different diseases later in life. Some of those diseases include cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Adolescents today have decreased physical activity and poor diet habits which makes fareal issues for adolescents a very important topic that needs to be addressed (Lytle, 2002).Cardiovascular disease begins in ch ildhood. A study completed by Kelley, Krummel, Gonzales, Neal and gatherch examined 279 children. in that respect hypothesis was that children who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease based on their family history would have diets that were different than the low risk children. The childrens height, weight, and bring cholesterin were measured and each child filled out a food frequency questionnaire. 23% of the children were at risk for cardiovascular disease and their cholesterol was significantly higher. However intakes of energy, fat, cholesterol and fiber were similar in both the high risk and low risk groups. The researchers concluded that all children whether high risk or low risk need to change their dietary patterns in order to prevent cardiovascular disease. Those at high risk need particular proposition guidelines in order to lower their risk for the disease. Healthcare professionals must promote the healthy benefits of healthy eating habits to both children and their families and finally it is critical that public health research address behavior modification in children (2004).Diets high in saturated fat, total fat, sodium and low in fiber are associated not only with cardiovascular disease but also some types of cancer. Also diets low in fruits and vegetables are associated with increased risk of some types of cancer. National nutrition surveillance data ... ...zine and have their stories told to millions of readers. Keri Kulik, an exercise physiologist, who helped the Schalls with monthly strategies to meet their goals, followed them for the next 6 months. Each month Keri gave the Schall family key strategies for success. Strategies started small like travel two nights a week together, watching less television and decreasing soda intake. By month 3 the family was including more sports like cycling, tennis and baseball game in their routine also they have started circuit weight training together and have been drinking more water. By m onth six the Schalls have consistently included exercise in their daily life and love it. They had one goal as a family and that was to increase physical activity, at a time the Schalls are interested in working on their diet. They had made a consistent effort to eat a healthy breakfast both morning and include more healthy meals and snacks in their day. As Keri stated, they now see the big picture and are motivated to continue their healthy lifestyle. Fit Family Fit Kids has shown how making small behavior changes in one families life can make big changes in both parents and childrens health (Fitness, 2005).