'Adolescents prone to unhealthy food habits'

During a workshop for parents held recently in Indian High School on 'Meeting Adolescent Nutritional Needs — A Challenge for Parents', she said that a category prone to unhealthy food habits, adolescence has emerged as an age group that is most vulnerable to obesity.

The workshop was organised as part of the 'Health Awareness Week' supported by VLCC. Highlighting nutrition-related concerns during this phase, Dr Attlee said, "Adolescence is a period of rapid growth that demands a higher intake of micronutrients. This stage marks a crucial transition in behavioural, emotional and reproductive aspects."

"Unfortunately, social pressures to 'fit in' with peers are causing adolescents to take to erratic eating habits, skip breakfast and snack on 'junk food'. This has emerged as a new area of concern as it not only leads to nutritional deficiencies, but also excessive weight gain," she said.

For a healthy transition to adulthood, Dr Attlee advised participants to ensure their children take a balanced nutrient dense diet that is low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol; moderate in sugars and salt; and high in grains products, vegetables and fruits.

Variety is the key to a balanced diet, she said, adding that it had to be coupled with physical activity to derive maximum health benefits.

Detailing nutritional requirements for the age group, Dr Attlee said that an adolescent would need additional 1800-2600 kcal of energy (depending on activity levels), 1.25-1.5g/kg of body weight of protein, 20-22 g (4-5tbsp) of fat, 20-30 mg of iron, 400-600 mg of calcium and 600 mg/day of Vitamin A.

The average absorption of iron is about 5 per cent while that of calcium is about 30 per cent, she said.

Besides sharing interesting insight into adolescent eating patterns, Dr Attlee also presented ideal combinations of food groups and the quantities that make up a balanced diet.

Dr Attlee stressed the fact that optimum physical growth in adolescence is the foundation of a healthy adult. Outlining the importance of good nutrition, she elaborated on the subject of overall well-being, prevention of obesity and its role in prevention of chronic degenerative disorders.

Dr Attlee closed the presentation with the 'Wellness programme' pioneered by VLCC which adopts an integrated approach to enable people to lead healthy lives.