Adolescence

Adolescence
• Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and
adulthood. It includes some big changes—to the body, and to
the way a young person relates to the world.
Stages of Adolescence:
Early adolescence(Ages 10-13)
• The many physical, sexual, cognitive, social, and emotional changes
that happen during this time can bring anticipation and anxiety for
both children and their families.
• Some children may also question their gender identity at this time,
and the onset of puberty can be a difficult time for transgender
children.
• Early adolescents have concrete, black-and-white thinking. Things
are either right or wrong, great or terrible, without much room in
between. It is normal at this stage for young people to center their
thinking on themselves (called "egocentrism").
Middle Adolescence (Ages 14-17)
• Physical changes from puberty continue during middle
adolescence.
• At this age, many teens become interested in romantic and
sexual relationships. They may question and explore their sexual
identity―which may be stressful if they do not have support
from peers, family, or community.
• The brain continues to change and mature in this stage.
Late Adolescent (Ages 18-21)
• Late adolescents generally have completed physical
development and grown to their full adult height. They usually
have more impulse control by now and may be better able to
gauge risks and rewards accurately.
• Teens entering early adulthood have a stronger sense of their
own individuality now and can identify their own values.
 Adolescent
Nutritional Needs
Growth and Nutrition in Adolescence
• Adolescence is a significant period for physical growth and
sexual maturation. Nutrition being an important determinant of
physical growth of adolescents is an important area that needs
attention. Growth retardation is one of the most important
health concerns for adolescents and their parents as well as
health care workers.
• Inadequate nutritional intake during adolescence can have
serious consequences throughout the reproductive years and
beyond. 
Major Components of Foods
• Proteins are of greatest importance in nutrition. Proteins are
required for bodybuilding and help in repair and maintenance of
body tissues.
• Fats are high-energy foods and a source of energy. They also
make the food more palatable and provide fat-soluble vitamins.
• Carbohydrates form the major component of most diets and are
the main source of energy.
• Vitamins and minerals are required in small quantities. They do
not yield energy but enable the body to use other nutrients and
also play in important role in growth, repair and regulation of
vital body functions.
• Requirements for iron and calcium are particularly increased in
adolescence, due to rapid physical growth during adolescence
• Calcium needs during adolescence are greater than they are in
either childhood or adulthood because of rapid increase in lean
body mass and skeletal growth
• Zinc is especially important in adolescence because of its role in
growth and sexual maturation. Some sources of zinc are grains,
nuts, meat, cheese and milk.
Balance Diet
• A balanced diet is one that provides all nutrients (carbohydrates,
proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals) in required amounts and
proportions for maintaining health and general well being and
also makes a small provision for extra nutrients to withstand
short duration of leanness.
Factors Influencing Nutrition of
Adolescents
• Lack of knowledge in the family and community about the
importance of nutrition during adolescence
• Lack of food because of socio-economic circumstances
• Inequitable distribution of food in the family wherein girls being
denied nutritious food
• Poor dietary intake of food and vegetables rich in iron
• Poor bioavailability of iron in the diet
• Bad cooking habits (over boiling vegetables and straining water,
removing husk from wheat, eating polished rice and straining
rice water, etc.)
• Perpetuation of a vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection,
which might begin, even before birth and may have more
serious consequences for the girl child
 Adolescence
Nutrition Related
Diseases
• Undernutrition - manifesting as stunting or underweight - is
associated with deficiencies in earlier childhood. Other causes
include unhealthy eating habits and poor access to food.
• Obesity- Obesity among both adolescents and adults is
increasing worldwide in both poor and rich economies. While
genetic factors have a role, environmental factors (a sedentary
life style and high fat diets) play the dominant role.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD)- is the leading cause of death and
disability in the U.S., responsible for some 500,000 deaths a year.
Most CVD is the result of the process of atherosclerosis whereby
plaque builds up in blood vessels.
• Diabetes-Type 2 diabetes is a complex glucose and insulin
metabolic disease that can lead to serious consequences such as
diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney failure.
Diabetes also increases the risk of atherosclerosis with its
attendant risks of stroke, heart attack, and hypertension.
SOURCES:
• www.vikaspedia.in
• www.healthychildren.org
• www.nap.edu