Event Title

Nutrition Education for Weight Control Programs for Children 6-12 Years Old.

Presenter Information

Heather Stueven, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Brenna Waack, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

21-4-2008 10:00 AM

End Date

21-4-2008 12:00 PM

Student's Major

Family Consumer Science

Student's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Mentor's Name

Susan Fredstrom

Mentor's Department

Family Consumer Science

Mentor's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Description

Our objective is to study the effectiveness of nutrition education in children 6-12 years old who are obese, overweight or seeking nutritional advice in a group setting. Nutrition education was provided in two community groups: Shapedown program of New Ulm and Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc of Mankato. Study participants completed a survey of nutrition knowledge and a 24-hour diet record at the beginning and end of nutrition lessons. The lessons were taught once a week for ten weeks. Lessons included learning about the food guide pyramid, nutrition labels, portion sizes, healthy snacks, soda substitutes and restaurant eating. We have compared the pre and post surveys of one group and found the children's nutritional knowledge improved after ten weeks of nutrition lessons. However, these children need parental support to help encourage healthy eating habits.