Jídlo v životě dítěte a adolescenta

The role of food in the life of a child is examined from various standpoints and in a broader context, while monitoring the influences of food and its components on physical and mental development. The eating behaviour of children develops with dependencies on genetics, sensoric stimuli, motor skills and social interactions. Attitudes toward food, individual preferences and aversions are formed starting at an early age. Food is part of a child's personality, experiencing the outside world, and a view of their own abilities. Family and the social environment are important for the development of eating behaviour. Eating behaviour disorders can arise at an early age. Some of the causes include nutritional habits in the family and negative influences in society. Some of the serious disorders are caused by the spontaneous reduction of nourishment intake combined with the excessive intake of food exceeding the physiological requirements of the body, leading to obesity. The child's personality may also be affected by inappropriate attitudes among his peers. Limited physical activity represents another factor which significantly contributes to obesity. Therapy and prevention of eating behaviour disorders requires cooperation with the family, positive motivation of the child, creation of new forms of behaviour, interests, attitudes towards society, life and to the child himself.