Comparison of calcium and weight loss information in teen-focused versus women's magazines over two 4-year periods (1986-1989 and 1991-1994)

摘要

The frequency of calcium and weight loss advertisements, articles, and columns (n=611) in teen-focused versus women's magazines was investigated in this study. A young woman retains the opportunity to increase her bone density through her late twenties, at which time bone density holds steady until the onset of menopause. The 1989 calcium recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) were increased from 800 to 1200 mg/day for only one female age group: 19-22 years, which was extended to 19-24 years to maximize the opportunity for peak bone accretion in order to offset future development of osteoporosis. In recognition of this change and the inverse relationship that exists between bone mass and body weight, the frequency of calcium and weight loss contentin teen-focused magazines (Seventeen and Mademoiselle) was compared to women's magazines (Good Housekeeping and Ladies Home Journal) for two 4-year periods (1986-1989 and 1991-1994). There were significant differences between magazine types, indicatingthat the calcium message has primarily been offered to women past their best opportunity to affect bone mass while weight loss information predominated teen-focused coverage. There was no impact on calcium coverage for either magazine type due to the release of the 1989 RDAs.