Proper nutrition during adolescence is vital for girls' healthy development into adulthood. But studies have found that few teenage girls get enough fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, or vitamins A, E, and B. Most also get too much sodium and saturated fat.

"One study showed that about 80 percent of kids who were overweight from ages 10 to 15 will be overweight as adults, and another found that 25 percent of obese adults were overweight kids. These children are at risk for weight-related health problems in the future..."

On average, girls between the ages of 14 and 18 should consume between 2,200 and 2,400 calories a day. While cutting calories may help an overweight teen shed a few pounds, it needs to be done healthfully to ensure that proper nutrition isn't compromised. Source: Reuters

Labels: development, girls, nutrition

Researchers at Harvard University recently completed a study in which they measured the relationship between a girl's weight gain and her perception of her popularity. They found a surprising connection.

"...all of the girls had gained weight - no surprise, since they were all growing. But teens who had rated themselves at four or lower had gained more. In fact, girls who thought they were low in the social pecking order were at a 70 percent higher risk of gaining excess weight. The extra weight averaged about 11 pounds, or a two-point increase in BMI scores."

The study appears to indicate that educating young people about healthy living and the dangers of obesity can be undermined by "social variables" at school. They suggested that parents encourage their kids' participation in group activities and development of a healthy social network.

Labels: girls, popularity, social_networks

An obesity prevention program called 5-2-1-Go! has been found to not only help prevent obesity, but reduce the risk of eating disorders among middle school girls. About 4% of girls who did not participate in the program developed disordered eating and weight loss methods, compared to just 1% of girls who did participate.

"The results suggest that it may be possible for school-based programs to help prevent obesity and eating disorder symptoms in adolescent girls."

The authors of the study feel further research is needed to determine if other obesity programs produce the same or similar results.

Labels: girls, prevention, schools