Nutritional Status of Private and Government School Going Adolescent Males

Abstract

Adolescence is a time of opportunities as well as vulnerabilities to risk associated behavior that can have life long consequences for health and well being. It is considered as a nutritionally vulnerable period of life for several reasons. Adolescence is an intense anabolic period when requirements for all nutrients increase. During this phase, 20 per cent of final adult height and 50 per cent of adult weight are attained, bone mass increases 45 per cent and dramatic bone remodeling occur and soft tissues, organs and even red blood cell mass increase in size, increasing nutrients as well as responsibilities and problems, changing of life style and food habits, doubt about body image, peer pressure, greater demand for independence and other behavioral changes affect eating patterns among adolescents.