Feature
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Young girls in a local market, smiling for the camera
Photo Credit: Peggy Koniz-Booher/JSI

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth between the ages of 10–19, presenting a “second window of opportunity” to influence an individual’s growth and development. Adolescents have a unique set of needs and behaviors, especially when it comes to nutrition and food choices; adolescence is a critical period to build long-lasting habits that will support healthy growth and development. Adolescents’ increasing independence makes establishing good nutrition and dietary habits particularly important for their current and future health.