Trans fats : silent killers : awareness and action

Abstract

This study explores the current awareness and knowledge among Gozitan adolescents of trans fats. The research approach adopted in this project included a needs assessment study which elicited the urgency to make our adolescents more aware about trans fats. The data gathered during the study was instrumental in the design of lessons aimed at creating awareness of trans fats. These lessons were based on the results obtained from the questionnaires and focus groups conducted with Form 3 students. The findings from this research provide evidence that adolescents have a minimum knowledge about trans fats, the wide presence of trans fats in our food supply and trans fats' health effects on our body, as a result of which there is a rising incidence of obese children and adolescents and those suffering from high cholesterol level. The main conclusions drawn from this study are that through effective lesson interventions, adolescents can be made much more aware of the trans fats lurking in our food and can learn how to make effective decisions when it comes to food choice by empowering them with the knowledge and skills required to make healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices. This dissertation recommends that the topic of trans fats should be emphasized more in the HE syllabus across all Forms and that the topic of trans fats should also be introduced in the primary school curriculum.