Fatter, Sicker and Uneducated? An Investigation of How Physicians and the Public Receive and Use Nutritional Information

Abstract

Society is fatter and sicker than ever. While it seems as though there are a surplus of diets and “quick fixes” promising health, chronic disease remains rampant. After undergoing a health issue myself, that was in part remedied by nutrition, I became interested in nutrition education. This thesis delves into nutrition education in both the public and medical spheres of society. In order to uncover the intricacies of this topic, I analyzed literature on nutrition education in both elementary schools and medical schools. Additionally, I interviewed school Health Clerks, as well as various medical professionals. While I do not attempt to uncover a solution, through this research I suggest that nutrition education is largely neglected. Rather than dismiss nutrition as trivial, I propose that it is foundational to our health, and that proper nutritional education is critical.