Disordered eating habits among adolescents

Disordered eating habits among adolescents remains a major global problem that can affect their physical, mental and behavioral development. In spite of the advances that have been made in feeding practices, adolescents in many environments consume diets that are nutritionally inadequate, in that they do not provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients. Adolescence is a period which is critical and characterized by various growth spurts. Some of these growth spurts are psychological and emotional. Good dietary habits have also been found to be crucial in the development and growth of the adolescent during these periods. These psychological and emotional changes can lead to eating disorders if not well attended to. The three main types of disordered eating habits that can affect adolescents are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. In this review the use of a multidisciplinary approach in ensuring optimum adolescent growth was addressed. This approach included the use of parents/care-takers, teachers, dieticians, clinical psychologists and counsellors to ensure healthy eating habits of some adolescents. The results indicated the invaluable contribution of all the stakeholders in achieving good nutrition among adolescents.