Adolescence is a period in which the child undergoes significant physical, biochemical, psychological and social changes.
World Health Organization (WHO) 10- The 19-year-old group is defined as adolescence.
With rapid growth and development during adolescence, the need for energy also increases. In addition
obesity, which develops due to inactivity, social-environmental factors, wrong eating habits and psychological structure, is an important problem. It is possible for individuals to live a healthy life in adulthood
by developing regular eating habits in childhood and youth
. It is thought that obesity, which occurs during childhood and adolescence, will cause many health problems in these individuals in the future. According to studies, it is reported that approximately 30% of these individuals may become obese adults in the future.
What are the most basic factors affecting food choices and eating behaviors?
During adolescence There are various individual and environmental factors that affect food choices and eating behaviors. Individual characteristics include adolescents' general behavior, beliefs, knowledge levels, self-sufficiency, body image, and psychosocial factors such as food and taste preferences. In addition, biological factors such as hunger also affect eating behaviors. Behavioral factors such as main and snack consumption habits, weight control, implementation of slimming diets, as well as lifestyle-related factors such as money and time constraints, affect eating behaviors.
Individuals in adolescence continue their development not only physically, but also cognitively and psychosocially
and are in search of identity, strive to be independent, to be accepted
and are very concerned with their appearance. Irregular meals and snacking between meals, fast-food style outside the home are typical features of eating habits. These habits
are generally influenced by many factors, including family, peers and the media. some research Research
showed that more than 90% of adolescents eat something between meals. In this snack
mostly foods called "Junk foods" that are high in calories, low in nutrients, high in fat and sodium are consumed, such as fruit juice, fruit, milk, cheese and vegetables.
It is stated that the rate of those who consume these foods is only around 40%.
There are many environmental factors that affect the eating behavior, food consumption and eating habits of adolescent individuals, and the first one is the family.
Eating at the family table and the contents of the meals eaten at the table, the type of foods at home
, the availability of ready-made and fresh foods at home, the frequency of eating out, the mother's and father's
Food consumption and parents' attitudes and behaviors towards nutrition affect adolescents' nutritional habits
. Families forcing their children to eat certain foods, restrictions they impose on certain foods, and being an example and model also change their children's nutritional habits and body weight.
Adolescents and When the relationship between the food choices of their families and the relationship between adolescents and their circle of friends is compared, it is determined that the influence of their families is higher
Although it is determined that the influence of their families is higher, the influence of friends is a more important factor in choosing snacks and snacks
p>stands out. Behaviors such as spending time with friends, social learning, observation, imitation, and sampling have a significant impact on differences in food choices. It is observed that similar foods are preferred within the group and adolescents affect each other significantly
. Apart from these, the amounts of food consumed also affect each other.
For example, it has been observed that overweight adolescent individuals eat more food with their overweight friends than with their normal-weight friends
.
p>
The risk of obesity is higher in children whose parents are obese, and it is stated that the genetic load varies between 25-40%
. It is associated with obesity There are studies investigating some suspected chromosomes.
The mother's womb is as much a factor as the effect of genetics in the development of obesity.
The first environment encountered in life is the uterus. During pregnancy, the eating center and fat tissue are formed in the 6th-9th month and the mother is fed too much or too little. It affects the baby's obesity
in later life. Likewise, the mother's diabetes or hyperinsulinemia can also cause obesity
in the baby's later life. After birth, breastfeeding is protective in many ways
as well as protecting against the development of obesity.
Recommendations
Nutritional value Instead of low-energy, high-energy, high-fat and salt-containing foods, they should prefer raw vegetables, salads, yoghurt and milk desserts prepared at home. If you are going to go to fast food restaurants occasionally
; They should be directed to healthy menu choices (for example, hamburger with ayran, salad or fruit juice is a good choice).
If they have consumed high-fat food outside, they should prefer low-fat food at home.
p>
Young people can be asked for help in food shopping, menu planning, meal preparation and cooking,
Suggestions can be made for the selection of foods they eat outside the home. In this way, the way to control weight is also
taught.
For a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, low-fat food, increasing consumption of vegetables and fruits,
not smoking, alcohol. Individuals should be made aware of the issue of not using it.
If there is a problem with body weight, they should help them change their lifestyle without criticizing them
and seek help from a dietician.
Family members should also be at home. They should take care to have healthy foods.
Young girls often go on wrong diets with the aim of having a fitter body, and as a result, eating behavior disorders may develop. Men, on the other hand, attach importance to exercise and bodybuilding. For this reason, they try to eat protein-rich foods.
However, excessive protein consumption is not necessary.
For a healthier life, your physical activity should be increased. Activity in adolescents: feeling energetic
confidence n is important for a good appearance, school success, gaining the right habits throughout life, and reducing the risks of chronic
diseases.
Exercising 20-25 minutes 3 or more times a week until the age of 16 For those over the age of 16, 30
minutes of exercise every day or 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-5 times may be recommended.
Read: 0
