Emotional issues such as depression, self-esteem, and eating behaviors should be focused to reduce junk food intake among children as a new study suggests that knowledge alone is insufficient to change behavior.
Fast Food Addiction in Teenagers
Food addiction is a growing threat among teenagers. Find out how to combat the problem with preventive tips and strategies for overcoming food addiction.
Food addiction is a growing threat among teenagers. Find out how to combat the problem with preventive tips and strategies for overcoming food addiction.
‘Information combined with playful activities and emotional support is beneficial for healthy behavior change in children.
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"Numerous studies have addressed health issues in the school setting, but most have focused on physical activity and nutrition, with little attention to emotional issues such as self-esteem, depression and eating behaviors," said study author Dr Carolinne Santin Dal Ri, a paediatrician at the Institute of Cardiology of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. The Happy Life, Healthy Heart program randomly allocated ten public schools in the city of Frederico Westphalen, Brazil, to the intervention group (five schools) or control group (five schools). The study included 473 students aged 6 to 12 and 32 teachers. Baseline assessments included weight, height, physical activity, food intake, and health knowledge in children; and physical activity and food consumption in teachers. Measurements were repeated after the intervention was completed.
The intervention had two stages: teacher training followed by students in the classroom. Teachers attended four meetings over a four-month period, were given a booklet, and had access to video lessons. The material was in seven chapters:
Junk Food and Energy Drinks may Affect Brain Development in Teens
Energy drinks and junk food consumption is increasing among teens and is affecting their brain development leading to learning and memory problems.
Energy drinks and junk food consumption is increasing among teens and is affecting their brain development leading to learning and memory problems.
- risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in childhood;
- choice of healthy foods;
- food labeling;
- sodium, sugars, and fats;
- emotional health and quality of life;
- physical activity; and
- healthy practices and changes in habits.
Each section contained theory plus suggestions for classroom activities based on the theme, age of the children, and intended goals.
In the classroom, teachers covered one theme per week, including at least one activity. Teachers were free to choose or amend the activities and could incorporate them into projects based on the school's syllabus. To encourage teacher participation, a group was created on a social network where they received messages and reminders from the researcher on the topic they were supposed to work on. Teachers also shared their own experiences. The researcher visited the intervention schools to stimulate teachers and offer guidance.
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Junk Food Makes You Dumb and Forgetful
Experiments link junk foods to memory loss. Rats on a poor diet were found to lose memory in as early as six days.
Experiments link junk foods to memory loss. Rats on a poor diet were found to lose memory in as early as six days.
Both students and teachers benefitted from the intervention. The proportion of students following Brazilian Food Guide advice to avoid pizza/hamburgers and soft drinks increased significantly by 15% and 20%, respectively. In addition, there was a 28% increase in the number of teachers who were physically active.
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Junk Food Diet During Pregnancy Turns the Child into Junk Food Addict
Eating junk food during pregnancy can make children addicts to junk foods, finds new study.
Eating junk food during pregnancy can make children addicts to junk foods, finds new study.
Source-Eurekalert
