With all the changes going on in puberty, teens and preteens need even more calories to support their growth. Sufficient calcium consumption, for instance, is important as bones undergo massive final development during adolescence, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. While weight gain and obesity are challenges many teens face, it's not the time to skip meals.
Body Image
During adolescence, young people begin to develop a sense of their own body image and compare themselves to their peers. In an effort to achieve what they believe is a desired look, teens may begin to skip meals. Skipping meals may be a precursor to eating disorders; skipping them often is one of the first clues you may have that your teen is developing anorexia, bulimia or a food binging disorder.
Consequences
Skipping too many meals can lead to a host of severe complications. While meal-skipping and eating disorders are more common among adolescent girls, boys can develop these problems, as well, and regardless of the sex, depression and suicidal thoughts can set in. Additionally, delayed growth and improper hair and bone formation can develop after a prolonged period of skipping meals. Teen eating disorders can lead to hypertension, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, anemia, permanent digestive disorders, tooth decay and kidney damage.
Balance
As obesity rates skyrocket and more and more teens face weight challenges, skipping meals seems like a quick fix; however, young people who skip breakfast are actually more likely to eat more calories later in the day, often making high-calorie, unhealthy choices. According to The Permanente Medical Group, poor eating habits contribute to the increasing rates of obesity in America. To support their growth, teens should eat three balanced meals a day that include five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables.
Functions
To function with sufficient energy, teens need a regular flow of proteins, fat and carbohydrates. Skipping meals can cause a teen's blood sugar levels to drop, resulting in reduced focus, slow response time and fatigue. A constant supply of nutrients also is needed for proper brain function. The only way to keep a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy cognitive skills is to consume a steady supply of vitamins and minerals, which are best obtained from food. Neurotransmitters that regulate learning abilities and moods need a steady supply of nutrients to function. Skipping meals leads to lethargy, mood disorders, confusion, an inability to pay attention, and nerve and mental disorders.
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