Nutrition for Special Groups

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 1 : Overview of Groups With Special Nutritional Needs

Adolescent

• The period of transition from childhood to adulthood is called adolescence with accelerated physical, biochemical and emotional development.
• The final growth spurt occurs during this period.
• The growth spurt of boys is slower than that of girls. There are many body changes due to the influence of hormones.
• Most noticeable changes are increase in height and weight and development of secondary sexual characteristics. Girls usually attain menarche during this growth spurt.
• They attain their adult stature between 18-20 but bone mass continues to increase up to age of 25.
• The adolescent often has many food fads and these prevent the consumption of a nutritious diet. Peer pressure also exerts a great influence on their eating habits. Helping the adolescent to understand the need to eat the right diet and meet his/her nutrient needs is an essential task.