ADOLESCENT

PHYSICAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

HEIGHT
Adolescents growing at the rate of 3-6 inches
per year

Adolescence male growth outpaces that of
females

Females typically reach their maximum height
and weight by about 18 years of age

Males continue to grow, reaching their peak
height and weight after 20 years of age.
RATE OF HEIGHT INCREASE
WEIGHT
Males - increase in body mass that is about
50 percent greater than females

Most evident in shoulder

Male muscle mass is about 100 percent
greater than in females.

Females also experience a mini growth
spurt during adolescence

Much of the weight gained is due to a 25
percent increase in body fat. (Twice
compared to male)

Wider hips during adolescence
AREAS OF GROWTH
BRAIN
Not completely mature.

The human brain continues to adapt to
environmental conditions throughout our
lifetime. (experiences)

e.g.
frontal lobe keep developing until late thirties
NUTRITION
Boys require about 2,700 calories a day and
much more protein

Girls require about 2200 calories and
somewhat less protein

Iron deficiency- most common problem in
adolescence
(chicken/beef liver & spinach)
PUBERTY
The process of rapid physical changes in adolescence is
called puberty.
The growth spurt and puberty occur at different ages for
girls and boys.
Girls usually start and finish the stages of puberty and
adolescence earlier than boys.
This occurs in response to changes in hormones
produced by the body.



PHYSICAL CHANGES DURING PUBERTY
STAGE GIRLS BOYS
Early (11-14
years)
body fat increases
breasts begin to enlarge
height and weight increases
first menstrual period
hips widen
skin and hair become more
oily
pimples may appear
underarm hair growth
appetite/nutrition changes
pubic hair grows

testicles grow larger
underarm and facial hair
growth
pubic hair grows
pimples may appear
height and weight
increases
muscles develop
voice deepens
appetite/nutrition needs
change
breasts can get tender

STAGES GIRLS BOYS
Middle (15-17
years)
usually have reached full
physical development
increased concern about
physical image, weight
eating habits change

close to full physical
development
voice continues to
lower
facial hair appears
continue to gain
height/muscle
eating habits change
Late (18-19 years) few physical changes few physical changes
The rate at which physical growth and development takes
place also can influence other parts of a young teen's life.
Some adolescents become very concerned about their
appearance. They may need a lot of reassurance.

I keep having dry dreams
SOURCES:
http://www.education.com/reference/article/teen-
physical-growth-development/
http://www.education.com/reference/article/adolesc
ence-physical-changes/
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfoforall/you
ngpeople/adolescence.aspx
http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/adolesc
ence/part4.html
http://parentingliteracy.com/domains/34-
physical/48-adolescent-physical