Teenage girls eat more unhealthily than any other group in the population

According to government research in a study by the Food Standards Agency, teenage girls eat more unhealthily than any other group in the population. The Food Standards Agency also said that it was worried about girls between 11 and 18 failing to eat enough foods essential for growth and good health.

The study showed that the diet of teenage girls included food and drink high in sugar and fat, like processed foods, sweets, chocolate and fizzy drinks. Teenage girls also didn't eat enough foods with important nutrients such as iron and calcium which are found in leafy green vegetables and dairy products. The survey also found that fewer than one in 10 teenage girls were eating the minimum recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day

Dr Alison Tedstone, the FSA's head of nutritional science, said: "Broadly, teenage girls particularly don't eat enough. Overall they are a group of the population whose diets are poor.” Dr Tedstone also added that parental influence was key to healthy eating. The Food Standard Agency have also launched a magazine, Blink, on Facebook and Bebo to try to advise teenagers to eat more healthily.

The FSA’s findings are the first from the new national diet and nutrition survey, the first survey for 10 years and which will now be updated every year. The survey also found that despite the government’s guidance recommending that children do not drink any alcohol, 12% of girls aged 13-15 said they usually drank once a week or more.

A spokeswoman for the eating disorders charity Beat said: "This report is not really surprising but it is depressing. We must do more to both educate and support teenage girls both to eat more and eat more healthily. In a world where teenage girls read magazines filled with often confusing and contradictory messages about food and dieting, it is not enough to police the school canteen. Teenage girls and indeed all teenagers need to have a better understanding of how healthy eating is a key part of ensuring long-term health."

If you’re worried about your diet, why not check out our Oy! advice pages on healthy eating tips to find out our great tips for a healthy diet! We’ve also got some tips on tasty ways for you to get your five a day with some delicious smoothie recipes!