Nutrition at 17: Body Image, Diet Culture and Eating Safely
At seventeen, social media and weight comments can push teenagers towards skipping meals or crash diets while the body still needs plenty of food. Regular meals, no crash diets, and early help if eating starts to feel controlling are what keep teenagers safe.
- Dieting in the teenage years is linked to later weight gain and eating disorders.
- Regular meals and a varied diet support growth that is still finishing.
- Comments about weight, from anyone, tend to do harm rather than good.
- Warning signs include skipping meals, fear of certain foods and over-exercising.
- Help is available: talk to a doctor, or call Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Why seventeen is a sensitive age
By seventeen many teenagers are close to adult height, but bones, muscles and the brain are still developing. At the same time, social media, comparisons with friends and comments from family can make body image feel very important.
This page does not give dieting advice, because teenagers should not be dieting. It is about eating in a way that supports health and recognising when eating becomes a problem.
What the evidence says about teen dieting
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against encouraging dieting in adolescents, noting that dieting is linked to later weight gain and to eating disorders. It recommends focusing on healthy habits such as regular family meals and physical activity, and avoiding talk about weight.
| Instead of | focus on |
|---|---|
| Skipping meals to lose weight | Three regular meals and snacks |
| Cutting out food groups | A varied diet with grains, pulses, dairy, vegetables and fruit |
| Counting calories obsessively | Eating when hungry, stopping when satisfied |
| Exercising to burn off food | Activity for fun, strength and health |
| Comparing bodies online | Following accounts that do not focus on appearance |
Signs eating may be becoming a problem
- Regularly skipping meals or eating very little.
- Fear of particular foods or food groups.
- Exercising excessively, especially to compensate for eating.
- Secretive eating, or vomiting after meals.
- Rapid weight loss, dizziness or missed periods.
- Food and weight taking up most of their thoughts.
Eating disorders affect boys as well as girls and people of every body size. They are treatable, and early help makes a big difference.
How families can help
Regular shared meals, not commenting on anyone’s weight or body, avoiding labelling foods as good or bad, and keeping a range of foods in the house all help. If you are worried, speak to your teenager calmly and involve a doctor early.
nutrition at 16 covers exam-season eating and sleep, and nutrition at 15 sport and training.
Where to get help
A family doctor is a good first step. India’s free, 24-hour Tele-MANAS mental health helpline is 14416. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services. nutrition at 18 covers what changes at the start of adulthood.
Read next
- Nutrition at 15: Sport, Training and Protein From Real Food
- Nutrition at 19: What the Supplement Shop Sells You
- Nutrition at 16: Exam Stress, Sleep and the Breakfast Habit
- Nutrition at 18: Still Growing, First Gym, Mess Food
- Nutrition at 56: Eating for Your Brain, Not Just Body
- Eat Out a Lot? How a Nutrition Shake for Eating Out Balances Your Diet
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe for a 17-year-old to go on a diet?
Dieting is not recommended for teenagers. The American Academy of Pediatrics links adolescent dieting with later weight gain and eating disorders and recommends focusing on regular meals, varied food and physical activity instead.
What are the warning signs of an eating disorder in teenagers?
Skipping meals, fear of certain foods, excessive exercise, secretive eating or vomiting, rapid weight loss, dizziness, missed periods and constant preoccupation with food or weight. Early help makes a big difference.
How can parents support healthy body image?
Eat together regularly, avoid comments about anyone's weight or body, avoid labelling foods as good or bad, and focus on health and activity rather than appearance.
Where can teenagers get help for eating problems in India?
A family doctor is a good starting point. India's free Tele-MANAS mental health helpline, 14416, is available 24 hours a day.
Do boys get eating disorders?
Yes. Eating disorders affect boys and girls and people of every body size. Concerns should be taken seriously regardless of gender or weight.
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Sources
- Golden NH et al., "Preventing obesity and eating disorders in adolescents", Pediatrics, 2016;138(3):e20161649.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Tele-MANAS national tele-mental health programme - toll-free helpline 14416.
- ICMR-NIN, Nutrient Requirements for Indians (RDA 2020) and Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024. nin.res.in
- World Health Organization, Healthy diet fact sheet. who.int