Adolescence is one of the most valuable periods of life. Because in this process, the person starts to gain a stance against life with spiritual development, and valuable changes occur in his body as he is in a period of rapid growth.
Nutritional needs increase during adolescence. Due to the rapid growth, the need for many nutrients, especially power and protein, increases. Sufficient, stable and healthy nutrition of the individual in this period is also necessary for length extension and sex development.
Eating disorders are common, especially in girls, due to the burdens experienced during adolescence. Eating disorders occurring in this period can lead to bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa and reactive eating disorders. When eating disorders are not treated, critical health problems can occur. In this case, the necessary treatment should be applied in cooperation with the dietitian and psychologist.
Another nutritional problem seen in adolescence is obesity. Studies have shown that obesity in adolescence is more dangerous than childhood obesity. Adolescence period obesity can be resolved in a way that does not create new problems in the future, with sufficient, stable and healthy nutrition program, appropriate training program and psychotherapy.
Other nutritional issues encountered in this period; issues such as loss of appetite, skipping meals, and junk food type nutrition. With appropriate nutrition education, healthy nutrition practices and the value of these practices are transferred to individuals during this period.
The purpose of Adolescent Nutrition Counseling; to enable young people to acquire sufficient, stable and healthy eating habits, to solve their nutritional problems, to prevent their recurrence and to make healthy eating habits a way of life.
