) Therefore, in the light of the above views, a central part of the solution to the problems of poor nutrition in adolescence is an awareness of the problems. This is a first step in the development of any effective program.

In other words, the youth should be made more self-aware of poor nutritional habits and the importance of adequate nutritional intake and the way that these factors are often promoted through the media. This in turn would necessitate the involvement and cooperation of various other parties, including schools, parents and related organizations in the educational arena and food industry.

One of central objects of this type of program is to improve general awareness of nutritional and health issues. There could, for example, be more emphasis health education classes in schools, where nutrition is discussed in relation to the contemporary world. The cardinal aspect of this program would be a focus on a holistic approach to the issue of food and nutrition.

Central to the success of the program would be the involvement of youth at all levels of the process. This cannot be perceived as a program that excludes the input of the adolescent. As one study on youth involvement states; "Adolescents need to be and have the right to be a part of adolescent nutrition programming, both in design, development, implementation and evaluation. Youth should not just be research subjects or target populations of interventions." (Cheetham N. And Klindera K.)

Another important dimension of the program would be community involvement. This would include a process that integrates with the social, economic and cultural environment, which would include family, school, peers as well as food manufacturers and distributors. This is in essence is a multi-sectoral approach to the problem and would, for example, deal with nutrition related issues such as sexuality and reproduction, education and life skills. (Cheetham N. And Klindera K.)

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of correct and balanced nutrition during adolescence is emphasized by various medical ands healthcare experts. The fact that...

One of the central issues related to this is the obesity problem in the United States.
In order to deal with this problem a multi-faceted and integrated program of nutrition awareness needs to be fostered in our society. The importance of the active participation of the youth in an awareness program of his nature has been emphasized by the World Health Organization. (Nutrition in adolescence - Issues and Challenges for the Health Sector.) There has also been an emphasis on "...analysing present programmes to identify actions to fill the gaps between problems and existing responses." (Nutrition in adolescence - Issues and Challenges for the Health Sector.) program that includes the youth in an active way and also integrates other elements form the community and society would have a chance of success in reducing the health issues related to poor nutrition.

Works Cited

Cheetham N. And Klindera K. The Nutritional Needs and Status of Adolescents.

26 August, 2006. http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:O-tp3iNhDF0J:www.fantaproject.org/downloads/pdfs/Adolescents.pdf+nutritional+and+health+concerns+adolescence&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=9

Hearne. S. et al. (2004) F. As in Fat: How obesity policies are failing in America.

Retrieved 12, February 2006 from Trust for America's health. 25 August, 2006. http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:pbbUEelBegwJ:healthyamericans

Nutrition. 25 August, 2006. http://www.who.int/child-adolescent-health/NUTRITION/adolescent.htm

Nutrition in adolescence - Issues and Challenges for the Health Sector. August http://www.who.int/child-adolescent-health/New_Publications/ADH/ISBN_92_4_159366_0.pdf

Rees J.M. Eating Disorders during Adolescence: Nutritional Problems and Interventions. 25, August 2006. http://faculty.washington.edu/jrees/ch1edado.html

WHO discussion papers on adolescence. 25 August, 2006. http://www.who.int/child-adolescent-health/publications/ADH/Discussion_papers.htm