Author(s): Dr. G Sireesha, Dr. N Rajani And V Bindu

Abstract:
The phenomenal growth that occurs in teenage, second only to that in the first year of life. It creates increased demands for energy and nutrients. Total nutrient needs are higher during teenage than any other time in the lifecycle. Nutrition and physical growth are integrally related; optimal nutrition is a requisite for achieving full growth potential. Failure to consume an adequate diet at this time can result in delayed sexual maturation and can arrest or slow linear growth. Nutrition is also important during this time to help prevent adult diet-related chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. This study established nutrition knowledge, attitude and practices among teenage girls aged between 13-19 years. The study data was collected using a modified questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that the teenagers had knowledge regarding nutrition but half of the teenagers had negative attitude in nutrition and majority had poor nutritional practices.