Track 20: Physical Health in Adolescents

Physical health in adolescents is a combination of how their bodies grow, feel, and move, and how they care for them. Physical activity is important for adolescents' health and well-being. 

Physical activity

Adolescents should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days. 

Physical activity can include walking, cycling, sports, and active recreation. 

Physical activity should include aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening exercises. 

Physical changes 

Adolescents experience many physical changes, including:

Voice changes

Wet dreams

Involuntary erections

Breast enlargement

Acne

Widened hips

Growth spurts

Factors that affect physical health

Diet and nutrition: What adolescents eat before and during adolescence can affect their physical health. 

Exercise: How much and what kind of exercise adolescents do can affect their physical health. 

Chronic illnesses: Chronic illnesses can affect adolescents' physical health. 

Substance use: Substance use can affect adolescents' physical health. 

Other health problems 

Adolescents are at risk for many preventable health problems, including:

Obesity

Diabetes

High blood pressure

High levels of fats in the blood

Substance use disorders

Sexually transmitted infections

Injuries from motor vehicle crashes