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

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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.