The 2020 DGAs noted many risk factors that are a public health challenge for adolescents, impacting their physical development, academic performance, and immune function. Learn from multiple panels of adolescent health and nutrition experts as they illuminate the challenges and opportunities related to improving health and wellbeing during this unique life stage.
Program Overview:
Adolescence, marked by significant physical and psychological changes between the ages of 9-19 years, requires proper nutrition for both short- and long-term health, yet U.S. adolescents often have poor diet quality. To address this, the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center (ACNC) and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, held a meeting with about 50 leading experts in adolescent health, nutrition, and psychosocial behavior on May 2, 2024, to discuss current research and identify future opportunities. The purpose of the event and this activity is to bring awareness to the gaps and opportunities in research pertaining to this population and to consider the need for evidence-based dietary guidance tailored to the unique needs of adolescents to improve their overall health and well-being.
Measurable Learning Objectives:
- Illuminate the nutrition-related health challenges affecting adolescents, as well as the potential public health impact of their nutrient deficiencies.
- Address societal and behavioral factors affecting adolescents’ dietary choices and preferences.
- Demonstrate the need for balanced dietary patterns to address the unique nutritional needs (and gaps) of adolescents.
- Identify research needs and opportunities to better support evidence-based dietary guidance to effectively improve the health and wellbeing of adolescents.