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27/06/2007
Irish teens crash dieting ‘to find love’
Seven out of ten Irish teenage girls are unhappy with their shape and regularly crash diet, according to a to a new survey.
The findings were highlighted today at a University of Ulster conference today.
Dr Chris Strugnell, Senior Lecturer in Consumer Services, warned of the “real dangers” of adolescent girls indulging in poor food practices, and are missing essential nutrients at important times in their lives.
The survey also revealed that pop icons like Britney Spears, Posh Spice and Beyonce were the role models of many Irish teenagers, who wished to achieve similar body shapes.
Around 80% of 400 14-16 year-olds who took part in a survey of their eating said it was important to be slim to attract the attention of boys to achieve self-confidence.
UU doctoral student Elaine Mooney carried out the study into dieting practices of Irish adolescent teenagers under Dr Strugnell’s supervision. She found that teenage girls are prepared to crash diet to find love and happiness.
Dr Strugnell said: “These results are a real concern. This is an important time in the life of adolescents girls and they are not only indulging in poor food choices and practices but, more worryingly are missing important and essential nutrients at this point in their lives.
“I think Home Economics/Consumer Studies in schools has a very important part to play in delivering consumer education to young people. Consumer education is important for all consumers.”
The survey also showed that 72% said they wanted to be slimmer, 49% reported they had dieted to lose weight and 38% were currently on a diet.
(JM)
The findings were highlighted today at a University of Ulster conference today.
Dr Chris Strugnell, Senior Lecturer in Consumer Services, warned of the “real dangers” of adolescent girls indulging in poor food practices, and are missing essential nutrients at important times in their lives.
The survey also revealed that pop icons like Britney Spears, Posh Spice and Beyonce were the role models of many Irish teenagers, who wished to achieve similar body shapes.
Around 80% of 400 14-16 year-olds who took part in a survey of their eating said it was important to be slim to attract the attention of boys to achieve self-confidence.
UU doctoral student Elaine Mooney carried out the study into dieting practices of Irish adolescent teenagers under Dr Strugnell’s supervision. She found that teenage girls are prepared to crash diet to find love and happiness.
Dr Strugnell said: “These results are a real concern. This is an important time in the life of adolescents girls and they are not only indulging in poor food choices and practices but, more worryingly are missing important and essential nutrients at this point in their lives.
“I think Home Economics/Consumer Studies in schools has a very important part to play in delivering consumer education to young people. Consumer education is important for all consumers.”
The survey also showed that 72% said they wanted to be slimmer, 49% reported they had dieted to lose weight and 38% were currently on a diet.
(JM)
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