Page 33 - Petelin, Ana. 2024. Ed. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih | Health of the Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik prispevkov z recenzijo | Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press

https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-397-5.33-39

Eating Habits

in Therapeutic Community

Tija Božič, Tamara Poklar Vatovec
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia

Abstract

Introduction: We studied a group of men aged 21 to 34 years, who
participate in a therapeutic community Skupnost Srečanje. Substance
abusers face nutritional challenges, such as protein-energy malnutrition,
vitamin deficiencies, exhaustion, and loss of muscle mass. Methods: We
observed the participants’ eating habits and measured body composition
using a bioelectrical impedance analyser. We analysed the weekly
menu and assessed dietary intake using the OPEN program. The study
involved seven men aged 21 to 34 years. Results: Participants were
classified as overweight based on their body mass index (26.5 kg/m²).
The percentages of body fat (19.43%) and visceral fat (4.79) were within
recommended ranges, while muscle mass was higher than recommended
(65.5 kg; recommended 45.1–52.9 kg), therefore they were considered
to be of normal nutritional status. The dietary regime includes three
main meals every five to seven hours, which is not ideal as the meals
are energy-dense. Participants meet their minimum daily energy
requirements of 13027 kJ (3102 kcal) compared to the recommended
13770 kJ (3,279 kcal) and adhere to nutrient guidelines. The high sodium
intake (5286 mg compared to the recommended 2000 mg) is a cause
for concern, mainly due to bread and processed meats. Discussion and
conclusions: Participants strive to live healthily, but there is still much
room for improvement. It is important to identify and change poor
eating habits and apply this knowledge in life after the therapeutic
community.

Keywords: eating habits, dietary regime, healthy food promotion,
nutrition in therapeutic community