Healthy young people

Maintaining a healthy weight

The teenage years are a time of rapid growth and development, so a healthy balanced diet is particularly important. Healthy, active young people can have large appetites. If you are a teenager, it is important to eat well-balanced meals, rather than too many snacks that are high in fat, sugar, or salt. Teenagers should be aiming for at least an hour of physical activity every day. 

It’s a good idea to:

• cut down on sweets, cakes, biscuits and fizzy drinks
• eat fewer fatty foods such as chips, burgers and fried food and processed foods such as instant noodles
• eat regular balanced meals
• base meals on starchy foods, choosing wholegrain varieties whenever possible
• eat more fruit and vegetables

Aim to drink six to eight glasses of fluid every day. Water, low fat milk and sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee all count. Energy drinks are not recommended for children and young people under the age of 16 and should be limited in over 16s and adults. They contain high levels of sugar and often contain high levels of caffeine.
High doses of caffeine can be linked to anxiety and sleep problems.

The Eatwell Guide was created by the government to help summarise what makes up a healthy balanced diet. More information can be found on the Move more and Eat well page here.

Weight management is complex and challenging and many factors are involved. If you are concerned about your weight speak with your school nurse or GP. Find out more about Barnet's service to support healthy weight here.

For more information on maintaining a healthy weight please visit

• NHS Healthy Weight 

For more information on services for young people please visit 

• Barnet Council - Young People Services 

For more information and help with eating well and nutrition for young people please visit

•  Health For Teens
•  Food A Fact of Life practical videos

For more ideas and information please see -Refer back to healthy young families-keeping active page and move more eat well page