Unit information: Child Nutrition, Activity and Health in 2018/19

Description including Unit Aims

The content of this unit draws from research and theories in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Behavioral Psychology. The unit provides an opportunity for an (introductory) examination of selected aspects of child health relating to nutrition, activity, and behavioral aspects in the lives of children. Some sessions will aim to examine the development of unhealthy eating behaviors in children. Sessions will describe biological, behavioral, and environmental factors of nutrition and activity with special attention to community and cultural contexts. A range of issues in selected areas of contemporary health policy will be explored, such as

• Childhood obesity prevention through improved nutrition
• Venues to the development of high diet quality
• Increasing physical activity in schools
• Understanding intake and activity behaviors

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

• Understand and apply the concepts underlying the relationships between diet, nutrition, and health in children.
• Understand the importance of physical activity behaviour of children and be able to compare them with the situation in other countries.
• Understand the relationship between physical activity and diet for health in children.
• Understand the factors involved and theories in behaviour change in childhood.
• Understand and apply the implications of the development of disordered eating.

Students are expected to gain knowledge in these areas, and to develop a critical approach to the analysis of current research and theoretical issues.

Teaching Information

There will be a weekly two-hour lecture and one hour seminar, plus independent study

Assessment Information

Reading and References

Ogata BN and Hayes D. (2014) Nutrition Guidance for Healthy Children Ages 2 to 11 Years. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 114(8):1257-76

Bach-Faig A et al (2011) Mediterranean diet pyramid today. Science and cultural updates. Public Health Health Nutrition 14, 2274-2284,

Department of Health, Physical Activity, Health Improvement and Protection (2011). “Start Active, Stay Active: A report on physical activity from the four home countries’ Chief Medical Officers”.

Haines, J and Neumark-Sztainer, D (2006). Prevention of obesity and eating disorders: A consideration of shared risk. Health Education Research 21(6):770-82,

Rosen DS and The Committee on Adolescence (2010). Clinical Report – Identification and Management of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics; 126