Adolescents are at a critical age where they develop their food habits. Healthy eating habits during this age are important for their long-term health, but many adolescents opt for extreme diets.

A diet that is significantly different from a balanced diet can lead to serious consequences for their future health. Here is a look at how extreme diets can affect an adolescent’s health.

What is an Extreme Diet?

An extreme diet is a diet that eliminates a significant food group or reduces the daily intake of calories to a dangerous level. Some popular extreme diets among adolescents include:.

Ketogenic diets
Intermittent fasting
Juice cleanses
Veganism without proper planning
Meal replacement shakes

While these diets may seem harmless to some, there are several potential negative consequences that could significantly impact an adolescent’s future health.

Negative Consequences of an Extreme Diet

Developmental Delays

Adolescents are still developing, and proper nutrition is crucial during this time. Extreme diets can cause growth and developmental delays and may even result in permanent damage.

Adolescents who embark on an extreme diet may not get enough of the essential macronutrients and micronutrients their bodies require for healthy growth.

Disordered Eating

Extreme diets can trigger disordered eating patterns in adolescents that can persist later on. Restrictive diets can contribute to feelings of guilt or shame about food, leading to unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors surrounding food.

Adolescents are at high risk for developing eating disorders, and an extreme diet could exacerbate the risk.

Mental Health Issues

Eating disorders and extreme diets have a strong correlation with mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety.

Adolescents who are struggling to maintain an extreme diet regimen may experience feelings of low self-worth and disappointment, potentially leading to mental health problems.

Lack of Nutrients

Adolescents are still growing, and their nutrient needs are higher than in adults. An extreme diet may not provide the necessary calories and nutrients needed for optimal growth and development.

Lack of proper nutrition may lead to malnutrition, deficiencies, and other health problems.

Disease Risk

Adolescents who follow extreme diets may be at higher risk for developing chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Restricting certain food groups or not eating enough calories can cause the body to enter a state of starvation mode, increasing the likelihood of chronic disease development.

Conclusion

With so many extreme diets promising quick results, it’s crucial to understand the negative effects they can have on the adolescent body.

Extreme diets deprive the body of essential nutrients and disrupt healthy eating habits needed for a healthy future. Parents and caregivers need to educate themselves about proper nutrition and help adolescents develop healthy eating habits.