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A feasibility study of using a diet optimization approach in a web-based computer-tailoring intervention for adolescents

International Journal of Obesity volume 32, pages S76–S81 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

Adolescents are an interesting but neglected target group in obesity prevention. We assessed the feasibility of using a diet optimization approach for computer-tailored nutrition interventions for adolescents.

Method:

Development of an optimization model based on the public health approach to diet optimization. On the basis of food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) of 48 adolescents (14–17 years) optimized diets were calculated.

Results:

The optimization calculations for all cases resulted in individual advice. On a total of 137 items included in the FFQ, the individualized advice included changes in a minimum of 36 and a maximum of 88 items (mean: 61 items), recommendations for changes in the food items ranged from less than 1 g day−1 up to 1660 g day−1. In almost all cases a higher intake of fruit and vegetables was recommended; some unexpected advice was also generated (for example, to decrease the consumption of brown bread and to increase the consumption of pizza). The strengths and weaknesses of the optimized diets are discussed.

Conclusion:

Using the optimization approach is a step forward in nutrition tailoring interventions but the model used in the present feasibility study still needs to be refined.

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Acknowledgements

The HELENA Study takes place with the financial support of the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034). The content of this study reflects only the authors’ views and the European Community is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. Carine Vereecken is postdoctoral researcher funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).

Author information

Author notes

  1. L Maes, C A Vereecken, K Gedrich, K Rieken, W Sichert-Hellert, I De Bourdeaudhuij, M Kersting, Y Manios, M Plada, M Hagströmer, S Dietrich and C Matthys: See Appendix at the end of the supplement on page S82.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    L Maes, C A Vereecken & C Matthys

  2. Department of Marketing and Consumer Research, TUM - Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany

    K Gedrich & K Rieken

  3. Research Institute of Child Nutrition, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Dortmund, Germany

    W Sichert-Hellert & M Kersting

  4. Department of Sport and Movement Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium

    I De Bourdeaudhuij

  5. Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Harokopio University, Kallithea, Athens, Greece

    Y Manios

  6. Department of Social Medicine, Preventive Medicine & Nutrition Clinic, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    M Plada

  7. Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Unit for Preventive Nutrition at Novum, Huddinge, Sweden

    M Hagströmer

  8. Abteilung für Ernährungsmedizin, Univ. Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Medizinische Universität Wien, 1090 Wien, Währinger Gürtel, Austria

    S Dietrich

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on behalf of the HELENA Study Group

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Correspondence to L Maes.

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The authors state no conflict of interest.

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Maes, L., Vereecken, C., Gedrich, K. et al. A feasibility study of using a diet optimization approach in a web-based computer-tailoring intervention for adolescents. Int J Obes 32 (Suppl 5), S76–S81 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2008.186

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