Information on Loughborough

Families needed for healthy eating study

Posted on 30/12/2008

Loughborough University Website

Families needed for healthy eating study

A new Loughborough University study aims to help parents encourage their children to eat the Government’s recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables each day.

Researchers from the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences are looking for families with at least one child aged 11-14 to take part in this exciting study, which evaluates a home-based healthy eating programme.

Participants will receive newsletters to encourage healthy eating amongst the whole family and will be asked to complete a series of simple questionnaires over a three month testing period. All contact is by post to reduce the amount of time needed to take part in the study.

“Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day is associated with positive health outcomes in both children and adults,” explained lead researcher Natalie Pearson. “Parents have a huge role to play in helping their children eat the guideline amounts and we hope to show them how easy it is to achieve.”

In England alone only around 20% of 12 and 13 year olds consume the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.

Existing research shows behaviour patterns acquired during adolescence are likely to influence long term behaviours. And family eating habits are even more important because young people consume two thirds of their daily food intake at home.

To take part in this study contact Natalie Pearson on 07773 165 524 or N.Pearson@lboro.ac.uk