Calorie Needs For Teens
Guidelines on calorie needs for teenagers
seem to vary according to country. For example, American calorific guidelines
suggest higher calorie intakes for teens than European guidelines. Thus
both are included in the calorie charts below. Note however that pediatric
nutritionists and dietitians agree that a balanced diet, including foods
from all main food groups, which contains enough calories to maintain
a healthy weight, should meet all the energy requirements of healthy adolescents
and teenagers. So counting calories is not strictly necessary. However,
as an approximate guide, here are the basic teenage calorie requirements.
For older children - adolescents and teens
- calorie requirements are determined by gender as well as age. Boys typically
need more calories than girls. Other relevant factors in calculating energy
needs include a child's size, body composition and level of activity.
An active teen at the top of the pediatric growth chart typically requires
more calories than a smaller or less active child.
Figure 1. US Guidelines: Calorie Needs
For Adolescents and Teenagers
| Teenage Girls Age |
Average Calorie Needs Each Day |
| 11-14 years |
2200 calories |
| 15-18 years |
2200 |
| Teenage Boys Age |
Average Calorie Needs Each Day |
| 11-14 years |
2500 |
| 15-18 years |
3000 |
|