1 Second semester Chapter 12 Diet during Childhood and Adolescence Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence

2 Second semester Nutrition in Children Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Facts Children’s nutrition affects physical, emotional, and intellectual development Once developed, poor eating habits difficult to change Poor eating habits can exacerbate emotional and physical problems Appetites often vary according to rate of growth Likes and dislikes change New foods should be introduced gradually Children should be involved in food selection and preparation

3 Second semester Nutrition in Children ( cont‘d) Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Facts Fats should not be limited before age 2 Whole milk recommended until age 2 Low-fat or fat-free milk served starting at age 2 Calorie needs depend on rate of growth, activity level, body size, metabolism, and health Nutrient-dense snacks needed every two to three hours Forcing a child to eat can cause eating disorders Choking prevalent in young children

4 Second semester Calorie and Nutrient Needs Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence From age 1 to 10, caloric needs decrease but nutrient needs increase Use MyPyramid for meal planning for kids Need 2 to 3 cups of milk or equivalent in terms of calcium per day Limit sweets and sweetened fruit juices Introduce fiber slowly

5 Second semester Childhood Obesity Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Child overweight if above 95th percentile for body mass index (BMI) by sex and age Many factors contribute to this epidemic: 1. Genetic (Increased risk in children with one or both obese parents) 2. Behavioral 3. Environmental

6 Second semester Childhood Obesity ( cont‘d) Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Behavioral Factors Large portions of food and beverage Snacking on energy-dense foods High sugar intake Lack of physical activity at home, school, or day care Excessive sedentary activities: E.g., television, computer, video games

7 Second semester Childhood Obesity ( cont‘d) Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Environmental Factors School foods often high in fat and calories Community environment not always safe or conducive to physical activity

8 Second semester What Parents Can Do Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Model healthy food choices and active lifestyle Involve entire family for lifestyle change Balance calories with snacking and portion control but no dieting Promote healthy food, snacks, and drinks Remove calorie-rich desire Engage physical activity daily as a family Limit inactive time Ensure child gets enough sleep

9 Second semester What Parents Can Do ( cont‘d) Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Never tell child that he or she is too fat Understand devastating effects of social favoritism on obese children Never provide food as comfort or reward But do not forbid food Eat only at table and at designated times Give water rather than juice or sweetened drinks Eat slowly Determine reasons for eating

10 Second semester Adolescence Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Period of rapid growth and physical changes Cause increased calorie needs Typically enormous appetites Often substitute popular low-nutrient-dense foods Food choices affected by peer pressure and busy schedules Calorie requirement increases Except for vitamin D, all nutrient needs increase Menstruation in girls creates greater need for iron DRIs for many nutrients higher for boys than girls

11 Second semester Adolescent Problems Related to Nutrition Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence 1. Anorexia nervosa 2. Bulimia 3. Overweight

12 Second semester Anorexia Nervosa Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Psychological disorder Causes client to drastically reduce calories consumed Causes altered metabolism Distorted body image and fear of being fat Often exercise excessively May result in hair loss, low blood pressure, weakness, amenorrhea, brain damage, and even death

13 Second semester Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Individual and family counseling Self-acceptance Nutrition therapy Close supervision Time and patience

14 Second semester Bulimia Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Syndrome when client alternately binges and purges by inducing vomiting and using laxatives and diuretics to rid of ingested food Fear of being overweight Often binge on high-calorie foods Usually not life-threatening, but can irritate esophagus and cause electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, dehydration, and dental caries

15 Second semester Treatment for Bulimia Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Eating only at mealtime Portion control Close supervision after eating Psychological counseling

16 Second semester Overweight Bader A. EL Safadi BSN, MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence Contributing factors: Heredity, overfeeding as infant or child, and psychological issues Treatment: Evaluation by health care provider Change in unhealthy eating habits Exercise