Nutrition for Adolescents

Adolescents and young adults include 10-24 year olds in three developmental stages: early adolescence (10-14 years of age), middle adolescence (15-17 years of age), late adolescence and young adulthood (18-24 years of age).

Adolescence is a period of intense physical, social, emotional and cognitive changes.  Cycles of rapid physical growth make nutrition needs greater during adolescence than at any other time in the life cycle.  Poor dietary practices may result from an adolescent’s reaction to the rapid changes occurring and in an effort to control their weight.  Adolescents’ diets are often low in fruits and vegetables, and calcium rich foods important for bone building and high in energy dense foods, such as of soft drinks and potato chips.  Additional nutrition concerns include unsafe weight loss methods; iron-deficiency anemia (in girls); eating disorders; hyperlipidemia and low levels of physical activity.  Nutrition problems may occur due to neglect, abuse, pregnancy, disabilities, chronic health conditions, or substance abuse.

Lifestyle changes that affect eating habits overlap the dramatic increase in energy and nutrient requirements that occurs during adolescence.  As adolescents become more independent, their peers and the food choices offered in the places they spend time have a greater influence on eating habits.  Many adolescents develop irregular eating habits because of frequent meals and snacks eaten away from home.  Practicing healthy eating behaviors during adolescence is essential to:

• Promote optimal growth, development, and health
• Prevent immediate health problems such as obesity, eating disorders, and dental carries
• Build the foundation for lifelong health habits
• Reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.

The Department of Health and Senior Services has gathered these web links and resources to provide information about proper nutrition as well as food assistance to help adolescents reach their optimum life expectancy and to enjoy better health and quality of life.