Weight Matters for Young People

Official publication of Obesity Awareness Week 2006 If only weight didn't matter to young people! But it does - and, in reality, it should. So how can today's youngsters overcome the relentless hype to look like a cool stick insect and combat the enormous pressure from the food industry to eat vast quantities of junk? What can families do to help a teenager that has low self esteem or may even be struggling with an eating disorder? Weight Matters for Young People takes an in depth look at how young people can assume responsibility for their own health, ranging from the various factors that influence teenage decisions right through to practical nutrition. The TOP teen Health Plan assesses the strengths and weaknesses of current lifestyle, whilst the Food Frequency Framework solves family meal dilemmas. Common dieting regimes are assessed to see which are safe or worthwhile, there is a chapter on eating disorders and finally an A to Z of common weight-related conditions. Weight Matters for Young People is a complete reference book that will put young people confidently in charge of their own health. Health workers will find safe, evidence-based nutritional information plus answers to common weight-related queries and plenty of further resources.

Rachel Pryke

Section 1: Looking at things from a young person's viewpoint, Section 2: Nutrition, Section 3: Weight and eating problems, The Top Ten Health Plan.