Dietary practices and nutrient intake among adolescents: a general review

Adolescence is a vital and critical stage in the development of obesity as well as for increasing the risk of some metabolic and chronic diseases in maturity. Thus, pre-adulthood period could provide a chance to prepare for a healthful reproductive and productive life. Worldwide, malnutrition remains a pivotal nutritional problem for adolescents. Indeed, an increase in the global prevalence of obesity among adolescents has been reported in many surveys. Environment can exert a strong effect on people's food choices especially adolescents. In other words, if the food environment in school is healthy, this will encourage adolescents to develop healthy eating habits and make more healthy food choices. While, if the quality of marketed products for adolescents is unhealthy foods and beverages, this will affect their food and drink choices which may lead to many health complications in their later life. In this review the major dietary practices, eating patterns identified in adolescents and dietary intakes among this age have been discussed