NUTRITION

EDUCATION

NUTRITION

The study of various nutrients, their

functions, food sources and their effects in
human well being is called NUTRITION.

Nutrition science is the area of knowledge

regarding the role of food in maintenance of
health.

NUTRITION EDUCATION

Nutrition Education focuses on

enhancing health and facilitating solutions
To Bring up or lead out and can be seen as
a
process
that
not
only
provides
knowledge, information and skills but also
fosters development, growth and change.

Nutrition Education is a systematically

planned set of activities.
Nutrition Education is an essential
component to improve the nutritional
status of a population and is crucial for
the well being of people in general.

Nutrition Education, Based on different

views:
One View:
Information dissemination
approach
Second View:
Facilitating behaviours conducive to
health
Third View:
Focus on environmental change

AIMS OF NUTRITION EDUCATION

Influence public policies and promote

access to a variety of nutritious food.
To develop personal skills and motivation
to adopt healthy eating practices.
To develop nutrition advisory services and
nutrition education of the public.
To participate in coordinated community
nutrition programme.
To improve nutritional status/ level in the
community.

*Identify and solve

the Problems
*Use of Resources

Training by
Educators

Gener
al
Steps

Developing Effective
Educational
Strategies

To impart
knowledge and
change the
attitudes

FUNCTIONS OF
NUTRITION
EDUCATION
Major functions of nutrition education
activities
Increase awareness

Enhancing peoples motivation

Facilitating the ability to take action

Improving environmental supports

SCOPE OF NUTRITION EDUCATION

Nutrition Educators can also use a

growth centered educational
approach.

Nutrition educators can also work in

coalitions with

Other professionals
Organizational and
Governmental Agencies

ROLES OF NUTRITION
EDUCATION
Public Health
Nutrition

Food availability
and accessibility,
social structure,
policy and
systems
EDUCATION

Nutritional
Other Health
Health
Other Food
Concerns
Concern

Concerns

Nutrition
Education

Health
Promotion

STRATEGIES

Precontemplation
Create supportive climate for change.
Discuss personal aspects and health
consequences of poor eating or sedentary
behavior.
Assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.
Build on existing knowledge.
Contemplation
Identify problematic behaviors.
Prioritize behaviors to change.
Discuss motivation. Identify barriers to
change and possible solutions.
Suggest small, achievable steps to make a
change.

Preparation
Assist in developing a concrete action plan.
Encourage initial small steps to change.
Discuss earlier attempts to change and ways
to succeed.
Elicit support from family and friends.
Action
Reinforce decision, self-confidence.
Assist with self-monitoring, feedback,
problem solving, social support, and
reinforcement.
Discuss relapse and coping strategies.

Maintenance
Plan follow-up to support changes.
Help prevent relapse.
Assist in coping, reminders, finding
alternatives, and avoiding slips/relapses.

METHODS

Individual education
Motivational Interviewing
Peer education and counseling
Group education methods
Family-Centered Approach
Distribution of leaflets, Educational Materials
Posters, Waiting Room Videos
Documentaries
Short film, Video Presentation
Lecture
Lecture with Discussion
Role Play

Advanta
ges

Interdisciplin
ary

Integrative

Advantages

Sustainable
and
Behavioural
Changes

Facilitates
Relationships

Limitat
ions

Require
Specific
Skills

Not an adhoc
programme

Limitatio
ns
Remains
ineffective,
if causes
are not
identified

Lack of
Resources