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Book Review |
Department of Animal and Veterinary Science
California State Polytechnic University
Pomona, California
Johanna T. Dwyer and James M. Rippe, eds. Malden MA: Blackwell Science, 2001.
This book is written by nutrition and health professionals involved in providing daily dietary advice to patients. Importantly, the two editors are well recognized health professionals who merge material on dietary guidelines, the ten year goals set for the nation, specific applications to disease therapy and lifestyle management. The tables are useful and well integrated within the chapters. The references are a little dated with most through 1996–1997 and a few into 1998. The "Introduction" is referenced into 2000.
The opening two chapters on general nutrition concepts highlight the beginning of the Healthy People 2010 guidelines and emphasize both the Dietary Guidelines for 2000 and the dietary pyramid. Interesting points for thought and discussion are presented as an overview, including brief topics such as human genetics, food and nutrition science, health and disease, communication, demographics and governance including globalization. The reference values of the RDA and the RDI are discussed as they should be used in evaluation of nutritional status. Application of these principles occurs in the Healthy People 2000 plan for the nation. The tables provided in both of these chapters are useful in establishing the principles for lifestyle change in nutrition.
Active adolescence and the associated growth spurts in this age group require adequate nutrition to provide energy needs, protein and essential nutrients for development. Specific diets that restrict calories may not provide sufficient fiber and essential nutrients. Recent concerns include low intakes of fruits and vegetables, calcium-containing foods and total calories. Diet challenges at this age include snack foods, decreased family meals, sports ads to build muscles (boys) and low calorie diets to remain thin (girls). Metabolic changes impact on the transformation from adolescence into young adulthood.
Diet throughout the life cycle appears to be related to the onset of many degenerative diseases that are expressed in the mature adult. With aging there is a progressive decline in organ function and a steady change in body composition. The recommendations identified for this group focus on maintenance of optimal general health and function for as long as possible in an effort to delay the onset of chronic disease. Recurring results indicate that nutrition is essential for continued long-term active and productive lives.
Dietary management of obese individuals is discussed, including many of the diets used in meeting restricted calorie intake. A table discussing modification of the food guide pyramid to achieve a 1200 Kcal diet while achieving nutrient balance is included. An excellent discussion of resting energy expenditure is presented, indicating the need to convert REE units to BMI units by age. Using new tools, a seven-step process prior to initiating a low calorie diet is recommended. These steps assure a more accurate dietary management program for obese and overweight individuals. Changing behavioral approaches to weight loss are recognized as well: individualized expectations, rate of weight loss, previous histories, medical complications and psychiatric evaluation. Unfortunately, little research has been completed on treatment matching models.
Communication of health problems and the need to achieve compliance with dietary intervention are discussed. Aspects of dietary behavior must be determined to establish clinical nutrition intervention, to decrease risk and to enhance motivation. Dietary advice, personal counseling and creative education materials are essential. Lifestyle management is the ultimate challenge.
The book could have been developed more thoroughly, expanding some of the material in greater detail. However, it can be used by teachers in nutrition discussion activities for dietetic, medical and other health professional students, especially if original reference materials are included as assigned reading for the discussions. Both physicians and nutritionists can use the book in their efforts to guide their patients through disease prevention, better health and changing habits to increased long-term health.
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