Objective: This study aimed to determine the energy density and satiety of meals based on the healthy food plate model for Filipino adults. Methods: Thirteen healthy adult volunteers consumed breakfast test meals consisting of 1 cup go food, ½ cup grow food and 1 ½ cups glow food, following the recommended proportions in the plate model. Energy density (kcal/g) of the test meals was calculated. Feelings of hunger and fullness were assessed with 100-mm visual analogue scales (VAS) at pre-prandial (0 minute) and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 240 minutes postprandial. Ghrelin levels at 0, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results: The test meals had an average energy density of 0.83 kcal/g. Hunger and fullness scores gradually changed with time but hunger remained significantly lower and fullness significantly higher than the pre-prandial levels at 180 minutes postprandial. Ghrelin declined after intake of the test meals and stayed significantly lower than the pre-prandial level at 240 minutes postprandial (30.21 ± 4.58 pmol/L). Conclusion Meals following the recommendations in the healthy food plate model for Filipino adults have low energy density and its consumption sustained short-term satiety.
Ghrelin ; Hunger

Background. The school is an ideal venue for preventive control and can be utilized for obesity-risk reduction since children spend significant amount of time in this place of learning. Indicators for healthy weight promoting schools (HwPS) were formulated for Kineti-kids Program to complement nutrition and physical education and behavior. The indicators for HWPS were used as basis to draft an action plan for the implement and monitoring and evaluation of a school's plan to become an HWPS. Objective. This paper aimed to present the result of the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of indicators for a healthy weight promoting school among selected schools in Metro Manila. Methods. The following basic protocols were undertaken: implementation of final indicators (year 1), first year evaluation, implementation of indicators (year 2), and second year evaluation. Results. The program was implemented in selected schools in Metro Manila after which, an evaluation followed after a year implementation. The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) staff conducted the evaluation of school based on the list of indicators. The evaluation was based on five components of a healthy weight promoting school and rated using the following criteria: fully implemented, partially implemented, intend to implement fully, intend to implement partially, and will not implement/not applicable. The same set of criteria was used when the schools were reevaluated after the second year of implementation. It was found that the schools were able to implement fully and partially all indicators in the component of a healthy weight promoting school. Conclusion and recommendations. Teachers played an important role in the successful implementation of the program. It is hoped that this project will cater to more schools not only in Metro Manila but also in the regions. Following in the indicators as basis for evaluation, the following points were noted: a) to include in the creation of plantilla position the hiring of licensed nutritionist-dietitian who will plan, supervise and monitor the canteen; b) offer more value meals (vegetable, meat, rice); c) improve health and nutrition corner; d) ensure before the start of the class (not done due to lack of time); f) provision of a complete food laboratory; g) adequate equipment and safe space for play and sports; h) provision of a life-size mirror in the clinic and TV set in the waiting area of the clinic; i) allocation of sufficient budget for school and physical activity; j) allocation of funds for continuing education of teachers; k) installation of drinking fountains/areas with portable water; l) installation of wash facilities with soap and water; and m) provision of space for gardens.

Background. The kineti-kids program is an innovative, holistic approach which focuses on nutrition education, physical activity and formulation of indicators for healthy weight promoting school. Objective. This paper aimed to present the formulation of indicators for a healthy weight promoting school. Methods. The following basic protocols were undertaken: creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG), formulation of draft indicators, Nominal Group Technique (NGT) workshop, finalization of indicators and lastly, presentation of indicators. Results. The stakeholders formed the TWG to initiate the development of indicators for a healthy weight promoting school. The TWG formulated the draft indicators which were discussed in a nominal group technique session to determine their relevance and appropriateness. The group consensus on indicators toward establishing responsibilities, one working as a facilitator and others as a recorder. The first NGT workshop was participated in by representatives from different agencies like: the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Department of Education (DepEd), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of Health (DOH), University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, St. Scholastica's College, and Mc Donalds. The workshop identified indicators for school policy on nutrition and health, physical activity, nutrition and health curriculum, physical education curriculum and health / nutrition services and family / community involvement. For the finalization of indicators, the same set of participants rated each indicator as to top priority. The indicators were revised according to rank. The final indicator was presented in a seminar workshop. Conclusion and recommendation. Major stakeholders collaborated their effort in the development of indicators which can be used as basis for evaluating a healthy weight promoting school. Action taken by schools, families, and communities to promote healthy weight will contribute to children feeling better and improving their academic access. It is recommended that the school, family and community partner together, combine resources and provide an integrated and systematic approach to promoting good nutrition and physical activity, creating environment for successful learning in the schools and healthy living in the community.