Changes in diets of adolescents and young adults. (Scientific update: a review of recent scientific papers related to vegetarianism).Two recent studies have focused on the eating habits of American American, river, 30 mi (48 km) long, rising in N central Calif. in the Sierra Nevada and flowing SW into the Sacramento River at Sacramento. The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill (see Sutter, John Augustus) along the river in 1848 led to the California gold rush of adolescents and young adults. This is partially because of the rapid increase in obesity obesity, condition resulting from excessive storage of fat in the body. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal according to standard age, height, and weight tables, or by a complex formula known as the body mass index. in these age groups. Young adults especially are establishing dietary patterns, independent of their parents, that may persist for the rest of their adult years. The first study examined young adults' snacking habits. Snacks provide a higher percentage of total calories than they have in the past, partly because the snacks today are higher in calories and partly because snacking is more frequent. Snacks providing the highest percentage of calories include desserts, soft drinks, and beer. The calories coming from high-fat, salty salt·y adj. salt·i·er, salt·i·est 1. Of, containing, or seasoned with salt. 2. Suggestive of the sea or sailing life. 3. Witty; pungent; earthy: salty humor. snacks have doubled between 1977-78 and 1994-96. The second study surveyed where adolescents and young adults get their food and the types of food they commonly eat. For both adolescents and young adults, between 1977-78 and 1994-96 (the most recent years for which data are available), there has been a marked increase in the use of salty snacks, candy candy: see confectionery. candy Sweet sugar- or chocolate-based confection. The Egyptians made candy from honey (combined with figs, dates, nuts, and spices), sugar being unknown. , soft drinks, fruit drinks, alcohol, French fries French fry n. A thin strip of potato fried in deep fat. Often used in the plural. , cheeseburgers, pizza, and Mexican Mexican named after or originating in Mexico. Mexican axolotl see ambystomamexicanum. Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum food. Fewer calories come from meals and snacks eaten at home, and more come from meals and snacks eaten at restaurants and fast food places. The authors of the first study recommend making changes in the types and amounts of foods chosen as snacks by young adults. The authors of the second study recommend improving the quality of food eaten away from home and educating young adults and adolescents about healthful health·ful adj. 1. Conducive to good health; salutary. 2. Healthy. health  ful·ness n. food choices when eating out. Another option seems to be to educate
consumers about quick and easy food choices at home that are lower in
fat, calories, and sodium and higher in fiber and vitamins and minerals
than foods commonly chosen when eating out.
Nielsen SJ, Siega-Riz AM, Popkin BM. 2002. Trends in food location and sources among adolescents and young adults. Prev Med 35:107-113. Zizza C, Siega-Riz AM, Popkin BM. 2001. Significant increase in young adults' snacking between 1977-1978 and 1994-1996 represents a cause for concern. Prev Med 32:303-310. |
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