Care of

Adolescent
What is adolescence?
Adolescence, transitional phase of growth and
development between childhood and adulthood.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an
adolescent as any person between ages 10 and
19. This age range falls within WHO’s definition
of young people, which refers to individuals
between ages 10 and 24.
Early Adolescence (Ages 10-14)
The beginning of stages of puberty. Both sexes experience
significant physical growth and increased sexual interest.
Cognitively, adolescents in this stage have a limited capacity
for abstract thought but intellectual interests expand and
become more important. Although adolescents in this stage
have limited interest in the future, they develop deeper moral
thinking during the early adolescence stage.
Early Adolescence (Ages 10-14)
 Middle Adolescence (Ages 15-17)
In this stage, puberty is completed for sexes. Physical growth
slows for females but continues for males. Adolescents in this
stage continue to experience a growing capacity for abstract
thought. During this stage, adolescents begin to set long-term
goals and become interested in the meaning of life and moral
reasoning. Adolescents in this stage of development
experience numerous social and emotional changes including
increased self-involvement and an increased drive for
independece.
Middle Adolescence (Ages 15-17)
Late Adolescence/Young Adulthood (Ages
18-24)
In late adolescence, they experience fewer physical
developments and more cognitive developments. Adolescents
gain the ability to think about ideas rationally, delay
gratification, plan for the future, and gain a firm sense of
identity. During this last phase of adolescent development,
young people also experience increased emotional stability and
independence.
Late Adolescence/Young Adulthood (Ages 18-24)
Nutritional evaluation and counseling are
crucial elements of adolescent care.
Proper nutrition and healthy eating patterns support these
changes, provide energy for daily activities, and can help
prevent cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer later
in life.
The physiological and behavioral
characteristics that place adolescents at
risk for nutritional compromise include
the following:
 Growth and Development
20% of adult height and 50% of the adult skeleton are
accrued during the teen years, requiring tremendous
amounts of energy and nutrients, particularly iron and
calcium. The onset of menstruation puts an additional
strain on iron stores in the adolescent female.
Growth and Development
Meal Pattern and Composition
Adolescent meals, especially breakfast, are often
skipped or eaten on the run. The planned family
dinner may be replaced by fast foods or vending
machine snacks that are high in calories, fat,
sodium, and sugar and low in essential nutrients.
An adolescent should:
• Eat 3 meals a day, with healthy snacks.
• Increase fiber in the diet and decrease the use of salt.
• Drink water. Try to avoid drinks that are high in sugar.
• Eat balanced meals.
• Make sure your teen watches (and decreases, if necessary)
their sugar intake.
• Eat fruit or vegetables for a snack.
• Eat more chicken and fish. Limit red meat intake and choose
lean cuts when possible.  
 Dietary Experimentation
Adolescence is a time of experimentation in all aspects of life,
including alternative diets such as vegetarianism. Although
many diets do provide adequate nutrition when implemented
correctly, adolescents may not have the knowledge or
resources to develop healthy meal plans. As your body is still
growing, it’s vital that you eat enough good quality food and
the right kinds to meet your energy and nutrition needs.
Body Image
Rapid changes in body size and composition, peer pressure,
athletics, and media influences are just some of the reasons
why teens often feel dissatisfied with their bodies. This may
lead to fad dieting, fasting, purging, and eating disorders.

A healthy body image is important. When you feel good about

your body, you’re more likely to have good self-esteem and
mental health as well as a balanced attitude to eating and
physical activity.
Body Image
Special Circumstances
Pregnancy, substance use, chronic disease, and competitive
athletics place particular strain on nutritional status during
adolescence given the physiological demands of pubertal
maturation.
To grow and develop in good health, adolescents need
information, including age-appropriate comprehensive
sexuality education; opportunities to develop life skills; health
services that are acceptable, equitable, appropriate and
effective; and safe and supportive environments.
Special Circumstances
GROUP 6
•Niphey Danan
•Camille Galang
•Melozen Dela Torre