Take Control, AMA Urges Youth

Highlighting the importance of healthy eating for teens during this year's National Youth Week, AMA President Dr Mukesh Haikerwal said adolescence is an opportunity for young people to establish good eating habits for life.

"Adolescence and young adulthood is often a time of major transition from high school to further study or employment, which frequently coincides with a move to independent living," Dr Haikerwal said.

"For many young people it's the first time that they're responsible for buying and preparing their own food, often within a very limited budget.

"Highly processed 'quick' foods, apparently cheap fast foods, sugar-laden soft drinks and calorie-dense alcohol all might look appealing to adolescents buying their own groceries for the first time.

"But these foods often are high in calories, sugar and salt while not providing dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential in a healthy, varied diet."

The AMA recently called for a greater commitment to educating the public about good nutrition and reasonable daily calorie requirements.

It's also called for a national system of accreditation for diets and weight loss systems - another area where Dr Haikerwal said teens' awareness should be heightened.

"Teenage years and young adulthood also can be a time of increased exposure to the media and increased awareness of body image.

"Young people should keep in mind that not every advertised diet system is safe and healthy."

If young people are worried about their weight or need advice on healthy eating, they should see their GP, Dr Haikerwal said.

"Adolescence and early adulthood is an ideal time for young people to establish a strong and independent relationship with their GP," he added.