The double burden of underweight and overweight in South African adolescents: a challenge and an opportunity for nutritionists and dietitians

  • Salome Kruger North West University (Potch)

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in paediatric populations in developed and developing countries.1,2 During puberty, rapid and dynamic changes occur with respect to body composition and hormonal regulation, which may be associated with a future risk of disease.3,4 The South African National Health and Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) reported on the anthropometric nutritional status of South African children and adolescents.5 The results provided recent and clear evidence of the double burden of malnutrition in adolescents at national level, and confirmed that overweight and obesity in adolescent girls is of particular concern.5,6

Author Biography

Salome Kruger, North West University (Potch)
PhD (Nutrition), RD(SA) Professor of Nutrition Department of Nutrition & Consumer Science North West University (Potch)
How to Cite
Kruger, S. (1). The double burden of underweight and overweight in South African adolescents: a challenge and an opportunity for nutritionists and dietitians. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27(1), 5-6. Retrieved from http://sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/853
Issue
Vol 27 No 1 (2014)
Section
Guest Editorial
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