School Nutrition Dietary Assessment – A Prerequisite for Nutrition Education
School Nutrition Dietary Assessment – A Prerequisite for Nutrition Education

Author(s): Oana Nechita (Atomei)
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Editura Lumen, Asociatia Lumen
Keywords: Education; nutrition; obesity
Summary/Abstract: Overweight in children is a current issue in Romania. The long term consequences are numerous and serious. Therefore, a nutritional assessment in school is required in order to identify weight problems for students and prevent overweight.We evaluated 16 students aged between 10 and 12 years old (5th grade). The study was made in two directions: anthropometric assessment (BMI percentile) and nutritional assessment (food frequency questionnaire). Then we developed nutrition lessons adapting the learning contents to the intellectual and age characteristics of pupils. Among 16 students evaluated, one student was underweight, 10 students were normal weight, 4 students are overweight and one student was obese. Nutrition evaluation revealed that most students eat fast food almost daily, they use the computer or TV at least an hour per day and they are not choosing healthy food. At the parent-teacher meeting were presented the findings. We explained that it is necessary to consult a nutritionist who could recommended a complete program for weight control. Overweight is the result of unbalanced diet and lack of exercise. To prevent childhood obesity it is necessary a collaboration between parents, teachers and nutritionists for nutrition education activities.

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