Author(s): Shannon B Diehl, Caroline J Ketcham, Diane M Duffy
Lifestyle habits developed in childhood often carry over into adulthood and that developing healthy habits at a young age can help prevent weight-related health problems later in life. The purpose of this study was to develop and implement an interventional curriculum based on nutrition, physical activity, and self-concept in adolescent girls to promote the development of healthy lifestyle habits. Ten girls between 11 and 14 years old (n = 12.5 ± 0.97) were recruited to participate in a five-day Girl Scout camp. Physical parameters were measured and each participant filled out a questionnaire regarding eating habits, nutritional knowledge, physical activity, and self-concept. Educational curriculum and activities corresponding to the above domains were incorporated into each day. Participants were guided in setting goals for healthy lifestyle changes over the coming months and provided with journals to track their progress. It was found that 60% of participants had a Body Mass Index (BMI) above the 85th percentile. All participants scored positive in self-concept, but a negative correlation was found between BMI percentile and selfconcept. Notable relationships were found between variables of nutrition, physical activity, and self-concept. Results suggested that the participants were of an important age range during which self-concept was still positive and was beginning to be shaped, indicating adolescence as a good time to intervene and influence positive self-concept through understanding the relationship of nutrition and physical activity on health.
