Media literacy: a critical role for dietetic practice

The mass media, including broadcast, electronic, and print media, have become entrenched in Canadians' daily lives. Spending the majority of their leisure time with mass media puts Canadians at increased health risk. Our review of the research literature shows that television (TV) viewing and content are linked to potential consumer health risks due to developed health attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. The associated health risks of children and youth are of particular concern. Excessive TV viewing has been associated with obesity development, increased energy consumption, reduced energy expenditure, negative body image development, and reduced concern with the concept of self-care. Media literacy, the ability to view critically and understand mediated messages, is a possible technique to mitigate these adverse effects. The enhanced inclusion of media literacy concepts in health education activities of dietetic practice is advocated. Dietitians could increase their understanding of research findings on the health-related effects of mass media use and the implications of including media literacy in daily practice. Such awareness would further augment available health promotion strategies.