Tag: Teenager calorie needs

The body demands more calories during early adolescence than at almost any other time of life to fuel the rapid growth spurt and development. This surge in appetite is both normal and necessary, but the *quality* of what a teenager eats is far more important than just the sheer quantity.

According to guidelines from the American Heart Association, sedentary 17-year-old males typically require around 2200 calories per day, while females need 1800. These figures clearly indicate that 1300 calories is not enough for a 17 year old and can have severe health repercussions.

During the intense physical and mental developmental changes of puberty, a teenager's nutritional demands significantly increase. This leads many to question if a seemingly standard amount, such as 1800 calories, is enough for a 13 year old to properly fuel their body for healthy growth and development.