As soon as it comes to body weight and shape, teenagers are one of the most susceptible groups. Studies show that many teens have an overwhelming desire to look shapely and lean, but comparatively little knowledge of nutrition or health, and how these factors relate to weight and shape. Consequently, they frequently turn to ineffective and harmful methods of weight reduction, methods that can considerably impact upon their health and weight in later life. However adolescences are not the only group that has uncertainties about weight and shape. Here are some facts and investigate information across the different age groups.
Body Growth and Development During Teenage Years
Throughout a 6-8 year period, from 12-18 years, teenager girls practice dramatic changes in height, weight, bone composition and body fat distribution. Storing and deposition of fat takes place at a greater rate in girls comparatively to boys. Indeed, boys usually lose body fat late in adolescence while girls store it as a natural part of their development. Every teenager or teen experiences these changes at different rates, and it is only at the end of the growth spurt that a teenage girl can see how all these changes have altered her general body shape.
Pre-Teen Concerns About Weight and Shape
Reports indicate that children as young as 5 years old are becoming concerned even obsessed, with their weight and shape. In fact, eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors are appearing in pre-teens and teens at an increasing rate. In accordance with US estimates from The National Institute of Mental Health, between 5 per cent and 10 per cent of girls and women (that is. 5-10 million people) and 1 million boys and men suffer from eating disorders, as well as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or other associated dietary conditions. Estimates indicate that as many as 15 percent of young women accept unhealthy attitudes and eating models.
Dieting in Pre-Adolescent Girls
Dieting is becoming common behavior among pre-adolescent girls as young as 10 years of age, according to a study by the University of Minnesota. Using data from a survey of 234 Girl Scout troop members who were approximately 10 years old, the survey found that nearly 30 percent of the girls reported trying to lose weight.
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