Adolescence is the period of greatest growth in the human body. However, some girls, fearing weight gain, resort to extreme dieting once they enter puberty. This leads to insufficient intake of calories, protein, vitamins, and various trace elements that the body needs. As a result, nutritional deficiencies occur, which can affect growth and development.
What are the dangers of dieting?
1. Dieting can lead to insufficient calorie intake. During adolescence, the body's metabolism is high and there is increased physical activity. The body requires more nutrients to meet the needs of growth, as well as daily learning and activities. The daily calorie requirement should generally not be less than 12552 kilojoules (3000 kilocalories). Failing to meet this standard can affect growth and development. In short, calorie intake during adolescence should be 25%-50% higher than in adulthood.
2. Dieting inevitably leads to insufficient protein intake. This results in negative nitrogen balance, which can lead to delayed growth, thinness, weakened immune system, and impaired intellectual development. In severe cases, malnutrition edema may occur. Girls enter puberty earlier than boys and experience significant hormonal changes. The adverse effects of insufficient protein intake will be even more serious.
3. Dieting can lead to insufficient intake of various vitamins. Grains are rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B2. Deficiency can cause angular stomatitis and glossitis. Vegetables contain a large amount of vitamin C, and deficiency can lead to scurvy. Deficiency of vitamin D can cause abnormal bone metabolism, resulting in stunted growth or skeletal deformities. Deficiency of vitamin A can cause night blindness.
4. Dieting can cause deficiencies in various inorganic salts and trace elements. Insufficient or imbalanced intake of calcium and phosphorus can directly affect bone development. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Zinc deficiency can affect growth and gonadal development in the body.
