Adolescence is the period of the most vigorous growth in the human body. However, some girls, after entering adolescence, are afraid of gaining weight and resort to extreme dieting. This leads to insufficient intake of the necessary calories, vitamins, proteins, and various trace elements, ultimately resulting in a lack of nutrition and affecting normal growth and development.
What are the dangers of extreme dieting?
1. Extreme dieting leads to insufficient intake of calories.
During adolescence, the body's metabolism is high and there is a greater need for nutrients to support growth and development, as well as daily activities. The daily calorie requirement should generally not be less than 3000 kilocalories. Falling short of this standard can hinder growth and development. In summary, calorie intake during adolescence should be 25%-50% higher than that of adulthood.
2. Extreme dieting leads to insufficient intake of various vitamins.
Grains contain abundant B vitamins, especially vitamin B2. A deficiency can cause angular cheilitis and glossitis. Vegetables contain a large amount of vitamin C, and a deficiency can lead to scurvy. Vitamin D deficiency can cause abnormal bone metabolism, stunted growth, or skeletal deformities. Vitamin A deficiency can result in night blindness.
3. Extreme dieting inevitably leads to insufficient intake of protein.
This causes negative nitrogen balance, resulting in delayed growth and development, emaciation, weakened immune system, and impaired intellectual development. In severe cases, it can lead to malnutrition edema. Girls enter adolescence earlier than boys and undergo significant hormonal changes. The adverse consequences of inadequate protein intake will be more severe in girls.
4. Extreme dieting can lead to deficiencies in various inorganic salts and trace elements.
Inadequate intake or improper proportions of calcium and phosphorus directly affect bone development. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Zinc deficiency can affect growth and gonadal development.
