Prevention of overweight and obesity through nutrition in childhood and adolescence

International Journal of Development Research

Volume: 
08
Article ID: 
14541
7 pages
Research Article

Prevention of overweight and obesity through nutrition in childhood and adolescence

George F. Zarotis

Abstract: 

Nutrition is essential in order to maintain and restore the functions of the human body. Due to the changing living conditions of children and adolescents, the problem of overweight and obesity has greatly increased in industrialized countries and therefore it is urgent to take action. The purpose of this study was to approach, analyse and ultimately examine the rules for a healthy and balanced diet and to make it understood that they should be an integral component of today's life of children and adolescents. The method adopted for the study was a review of the relevant literature. Based on this study, it is found that the "optimized mixed diet" corresponds to today's knowledge about the proper nutrition for children and adolescents. This diet is called "optimized" because it covers the need for all nutrients and at the same time prevents the so-called diseases of modern civilization (hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, gout). The "Optimized Mixed Diet" maintains a ratio of 15:30:55 (albumen, fat, carbohydrate) and sugar addition of only 5%. Therefore, this diet is low in fat and sugar, and is recommended for both prevention and treatment of obesity. Due to the fact that slimming methods have limited success, primary prevention is of great importance, e.g. early guidance to a well-balanced diet, reasonable behaviour in terms of movement and recreation, as well as a positive body image. It is important for parents to attend to their children's diet and observe their dietary patterns. Thus, the immediate intervention of guardians is required when the weight of children increases disproportionately quickly. Some unhealthy and fattening eating habits can be fought from scratch before they develop, in the worst-case scenario, into an eating disorder. Prevention should begin as early as possible. This is especially true for children and young people who have an increased risk of obesity due to family predisposition. It is important that children and young people are permanently involved in the subject of nutrition and that this engagement accompanies them in their development.

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