City Harvest Programs » Nutrition Education

Teens

Teens have particular concerns about body image as well as specific nutrition needs. Many teenagers have increasing control over what they eat during the day, with their own spending money and freedom to make decisions about how to spend it. Peer pressure, media, and social events can all influence teen eating habits.

This is also an important time in terms of physical and emotional development, and teens have increased needs for particular nutrients. Adolescent obesity is also associated with increased risk of emotional problems. Teens who have struggled with weight tend to have lower self-esteem. Rates of obesity among adolescents aged 12-19 have tripled over the past 20 years and overweight or obese youth are more likely to become overweight or obese adults.

Nutrition Education for Teens
• Operation Frontline