Nutritional Philosophy and Nutrition Through the Media

1.0 This report examines the role of principles within the Nutrition industry, the portrayal of nutrition in advertising & how certain advertising techniques are used influence society's food choices. Conclusions drawn from this examination are that the media contributes to the increase of certain ailments through advertising unhealthy food options and also plays a role in educating the public about healthy eating. Misleading information can be presented along with manipulative advertising techniques to influence product choice. Raised awareness of manipulative advertising techniques is required to empower consumers with the knowledge to not only benefit their own health/wellbeing but to educate the next generation; ethical standards are to be adhered to in the media and Nutrition Industry for this to happen.

2.0 The objective of this report is to analyse in depth and explain the elaborate advertising techniques & outlets the media uses to influence product choice. Additionally the media's contribution to education, health issues & eating habits is highlighted. Formation of healthy eating habits through the illumination of advertising techniques and dishonest nutritional information in the media is only limited by vulnerability to advertising techniques and the motivation to occasionally compromise time/money in order to eat the healthier options.

3.0

 At the core of nutritional philosophy should sit two particular quotations from Hippocrates, who is known as "Father of Medicine"

 "Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food"

 "The soul is the same in all living creatures although the body of each is different."

Interpretation of these two quotes is to acknowledge & utilise the healing/medicinal capabilities of food, with the understanding that each person has a different body system. Keeping these thoughts paramount ensures that nutrition care plans are tailored to account for individual needs/health histories.

 3.1.2 Working with principles in the Nutrition Industry is essential for the safety / wellbeing of clients. Upholding ethical standards allows practitioners to provide fair treatment in addition to, nutritional information backed by integrity. All of which ensures the clients wellbeing is paramount while sustaining trust and return business.

 3.1.3 The media influences what people eat significantly. This is done by presenting a blend of accurate and occasionally inaccurate information, via a myriad of advertisement techniques/outlets. Generally nutritional advertisements are directed at a particular age/gender, pledging or implying a certain product will provide health benefits, induce euphoria or save time & money.

 3.2.1 The media plays a key a role in healthy eating because the media has influential power & a vast array of outlets to provide healthy nutrition information. Such exposure influences & forms healthy or unhealthy eating habits. Conducted with ethical behaviour, this influence could lead to healthier eating and therefore a reduction in or prevention of health ailments.

 3.2.2 The media has a role in education as most people turn to advertisements for information, because sometimes healthcare providers may not give substantial information; this can have both positive and negative outcomes. The positive outcomes result in the presentation of accurate / entertaining / memorable nutritional information that form healthy eating habits. Misleading education can come through unprincipled individuals working in the media, negating or distorting accurate information resulting in confusion and unhealthy eating habits.

 3.2.3 Health conditions the media has contributed to: malnutrition in vitamins / minerals, diabetes & obesity reaching epidemic levels. Two examples of how the media has contributed to dietary problems are exploitation of vitamin / mineral supplements and the relentless advertisement of cheap unhealthy take-away foods. Recently the supplement company Swisse Ultivite was taken to court & requested to have several of its advertisements removed from television because they could not prove that consumers would "Feel better on Swisse". (Sunday Herald Sun, 11/5/2012). Fast food chain McDonalds has copious amounts of advertisements aimed at children & parents, enticing them to eat processed/high sugar/high fat take-away food for convenience & money saving.

1.0 This report examines the role of principles within the Nutrition industry, the portrayal of nutrition in advertising & how certain advertising techniques are used influence society's food choices. Conclusions drawn from this examination are that the media contributes

...