The intersection of adolescent development with eating behaviors and physical activity

Adolescence is characterized by dramatic developmental changes within the physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and spiritual/moral domains. This article provides an overview of these changes and implications for eating and physical activity behaviors. Adolescents' diets are low in important nutrients despite high nutritional demands for physical growth. Low levels of physical activity combined with high levels of electronic media use can have a negative impact on well-being, despite the potential benefits of media use in regards to pro-social behavior. Researchers and physicians need to consider developmental context when working with adolescents to support and guide improvements in eating and physical activity behaviors.