Adolescents, nutrition and eating disorders

Abstract

Adolescent girls in Australia have some of the worst eating habits of any group in the community. Some consume too many foods of poor nutritional value, while others try to eat as little as possible. The incidence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is highest during the adolescent years for girls. Although adolescent boys suffer much less from eating disorders and most have a higher intake of nutrients because of their legendary appetites, some make poor food choices.