2017, Volume 9, Issue 2

Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in the light of health education principles



Adam Więk1, Katarzyna Tkacz2, Wacław Mozolewski1, Małgorzata E. Kuśmierczyk3, Sylwester Rybaczek1

1Faculty of Food Science, Department of Meat Technology and Chemistry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
2 Faculty of Food Science, Department of Industrial Commodity, Basics of Technique and Energy Management, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
3Józef Rusiecki Olsztyn University College


Author for correspondence: Adam Więk; Faculty of Food Science, Department of Meat Technology and Chemistry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn; email: adam.wiek[at]uwm.edu.pl

DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.09.2.10

Full text

Abstract

Pedagogical and educational institutions play an important role in health education. The
proposed systemic principles should account for biological, environmental and cultural
factors that determine the health of children and adolescents. Young people’s individual
needs should constitute the framework of educational policy in the prevention of obesity
and overweight. An analysis of health education practice in the Polish educational system
indicates that the adopted measures, their practical applications and educational goals
are adequate. Despite the above, the proposed systemic solutions are not always deployed
or correctly implemented by the responsible institutions at various levels of local
or social governance. The operations of pedagogical and educational institutions should
place greater emphasis on supporting individuals in their quest for self-determination in the
health context. The aim of health education is not only to convey knowledge, but, above all,
to promote attitudes and behaviors that contribute to health, and the family plays a very
important role in this process. Health education in the family should instill health-promoting
behaviors which are influenced not only by lifestyle, but also by customs, traditions and the
peer community. Health education for the prevention of obesity and overweight should also
account for the parents’ educational needs in this area.


Key words: obesity, overweight, children, adolescents, education, health


Cite this article as:

AMA:

Więk A, Tkacz K, Mozolewski W et al. Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in the light of health education principles. Balt J Health Phys Activ. 2017;9(2):98-114. doi:10.29359/BJHPA.09.2.10

APA:

Więk, A., Tkacz, K., Mozolewski, W., Kuśmierczyk, M.E., & Rybaczek, S. (2017). Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in the light of health education principles. Balt J Health Phys Activ, 9(2), 98-114. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.09.2.10

Chicago:

Więk, Adam, Tkacz Katarzyna, Mozolewski Wacław, Kuśmierczyk Małgorzata E., Rybaczek Sylwester. 2017. "Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in the light of health education principles". Balt J Health Phys Activ 9 (2): 98-114. doi:10.29359/BJHPA.09.2.10

Harvard:

Więk, A., Tkacz, K., Mozolewski, W., Kuśmierczyk, M.E., and Rybaczek, S. (2017). Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in the light of health education principles. Balt J Health Phys Activ, 9(2), pp.98-114. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.09.2.10

MLA:

Więk, Adam et al. "Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in the light of health education principles." Balt J Health Phys Activ, vol. 9, no. 2, 2017, pp. 98-114. doi: 10.29359/BJHPA.09.2.10

Vancouver:

Więk A, Tkacz K, Mozolewski W et al. Obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in the light of health education principles. Balt J Health Phys Activ 2017; 9(2): 98-114. Available from: doi:10.29359/BJHPA.09.2.10