Teenagers burn less calories while resting

A recent study published in the International Journal of Diabetes has revealed that teenagers burn 25% less energy when they are resting compared to the energy burnt at age 10 while resting. Researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School found that the number of calories burnt by teenagers at resting point falls dramatically during puberty. At around age 16, calories burnt at rest began to rise again. During puberty, researchers observed a noticeable reduction in exercise among teenagers, particularly girls, which they believed could add to weight gain. They consider their findings to be an explanation of why teenagers gain weight during puberty and believe that the results of the study could help inform the creation of targeted strategies. Vice-president of the Faculty of Public Health, Professor Simon Capewell, commented on young people’s use of personal electronic devices, stating that the bombardment of food marketing to adolescents does not help the situation.