Peer-reviewed article
UNDERSTANDING ADOLESCENT GIRLS’ NUTRITIONAL STATUS: EVIDENCE FROM GLOBAL TO NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Surabi Dutta, Dr. Ankita Kotoky, Rufia Begum ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This article reviews the nutritional status of adolescent girls, moving from the global picture to India. Adolescent girls are described as especially vulnerable to anaemia and malnutrition because of fast growth, menstrual blood loss, gender inequality, early pregnancy and limited access to health services. Globally, undernutrition and anaemia exist alongside rising overweight and obesity. In India, a national survey (CNNS 2016–18) found substantial stunting, thinness and anaemia among adolescents. The article calls for a life-course, multisectoral approach.
Key points
- Adolescence (10–19 years) is a period of rapid growth with increased nutritional needs.
- Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to anaemia and malnutrition.
- Undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia coexist globally with rising overweight and obesity.
- In India, CNNS 2016–18 reported substantial stunting, thinness and anaemia among adolescents, with about 40% of adolescent girls affected by anaemia.
- The authors call for a life-course and multisectoral approach combining nutritious diets, micronutrient interventions, health services, education and gender-responsive strategies.
Limitations
Only the abstract is available, so the review methods, the detailed data and any assessment of how well the nutrition programmes work are not visible. It does not show which programmes are effective.
Abstract
Adolescence (10–19 years) is a critical period of rapid growth and development with increased nutritional needs. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to anaemia and malnutrition due to growth, menstrual blood loss, gender inequalities, early pregnancy and limited access to health services. Globally, undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia coexist with rising overweight and obesity. In India, the CNNS 2016–18 reported substantial levels of stunting, thinness and anaemia among adolescents, with about 40% of adolescent girls affected by anaemia. This article reviews the nutritional status, dietary practices, determinants and major nutrition programmes for adolescent girls in India. The evidence highlights the need for a life-course and multisectoral approach integrating nutritious diets, micronutrient interventions, health services, education and gender-responsive strategies.