1Second semester 14 -15

Chapter 12Diet during Childhood and

Adolescence

Bader A. EL Safadi BSN , MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence

2Second semester 14 -15

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

3Second semester 14 -15

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

4Second semester 14 -15

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

5Second semester 14 -15

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

6Second semester 14 -15

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

7Second semester 14 -15

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

8Second semester 14 -15

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

9Second semester 14 -15

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

10Second semester 14 -15

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

11Second semester 14 -15

Adolescent Problems Related to Nutrition

Bader A. EL Safadi BSN , MSc Science of Nutrition Childhood and Adolescence

1. Anorexia nervosa

2. Bulimia

3. Overweight

12Second semester 14 -15

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

13Second semester 14 -15

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

14Second semester 14 -15

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

15Second semester 14 -15

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

16Second semester 14 -15

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