Sugar & Fat Intake in Diet
Diet Study Aim
To apply the stages of change model for sugar and fat intakes in a sample
of adolescents and to assess the factors influencing young people's ability
to change their eating patterns. Self complete questionnaires assessed
young people's readiness to change both their sugar and fat intakes in
a cross sectional study. The diet study sample consisted of 479 young
people aged 13-14 years attending four mixed ability state secondary schools
in Camden, North London.
Diet Study Results
A sizeable proportion of the sample were either in the pre-contemplation
or action stages for their sugar or fat consumption. There were significant
differences between the males and females. Application of the stages of
change model produced very similar results for both sugar and fat consumption.
The main reason given for reducing sugar or fat intakes was a desire to
improve appearance through losing weight. Direct health concerns were
less of a concern. A range of social and structural factors were identified
by the sample as having an influence over their ability to make future
dietary changes.
Diet Study Conclusions
Future oral health promotion interventions designed to promote healthier
eating practices amongst young people need to recognise the various stages
of change young people may be in and develop appropriate measures to meet
their needs.
Source: Watt RG. Department of Epidemiology
and Public Health, University College London Medical School, UK. 1997
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