Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
20 July 2005
Irish teenage girls' diets a ‘real concern’
Irish teenage girls are going on crash diets to find love and happiness, research by the University of Ulster has found.
Irish teenage girls' diets a ‘real concern’
Irish teenage girls are going on crash diets to find love and happiness, research by the University of Ulster has found.
02 June 2004
Dieting is not enough to combat obesity says UU researcher
Diet changes alone will not combat the increasing rate of obesity among children in Northern Ireland, a University of Ulster researcher has said.
Dieting is not enough to combat obesity says UU researcher
Diet changes alone will not combat the increasing rate of obesity among children in Northern Ireland, a University of Ulster researcher has said.
20 July 2015
Two Teenagers Arrested Following Pre-Arranged Fight On Social Media
Two teenage girls have been arrested following what is believed to be a pre-arranged fight on social media in Belfast city centre. Around 200 youths gathered in Castle Street and Millfield at around 5pm on Sunday.
Two Teenagers Arrested Following Pre-Arranged Fight On Social Media
Two teenage girls have been arrested following what is believed to be a pre-arranged fight on social media in Belfast city centre. Around 200 youths gathered in Castle Street and Millfield at around 5pm on Sunday.
13 December 2023
Belfast Cathedral Launches Chair Appeal Ahead Of 120th Anniversary
Belfast Cathedral has launched a new fundraising campaign, aiming to raise £75,000 before the Cathedral's 120-year service of celebration and thanksgiving on 2nd June 2024. Led by the Dean, the Very Reverend Stephen Forde, the Cathedral is preparing for a year of celebrations, commemorations, and special events.
Belfast Cathedral Launches Chair Appeal Ahead Of 120th Anniversary
Belfast Cathedral has launched a new fundraising campaign, aiming to raise £75,000 before the Cathedral's 120-year service of celebration and thanksgiving on 2nd June 2024. Led by the Dean, the Very Reverend Stephen Forde, the Cathedral is preparing for a year of celebrations, commemorations, and special events.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
