We have all witnessed the mountain of food disappearing in front of our teenage children at mealtimes. Meanwhile, our elder relatives seem to have lost their appetite altogether. But why is there such a stark difference in eating habits between the adolescence and later stages? New research sheds light on the biological factors driving this contrast.
During puberty, our bodies undergo a phase of rapid growth and development. This places tremendous demands on energy and nutrient intake. To support this growth spurt, the hungry teen metabolism runs into overdrive. Hormonal changes signal the brain to prioritize building muscle and bone mass. As a result, teens simply need to consume more calories compared to other age groups.
On the other hand, appetite is known to taper off as we get older. Slowing metabolism and diminishing growth needs mean the body requires fewer calories. Additionally, age-related changes in taste and smell receptors make food less appealing to seniors. The production of appetite-stimulating hormones also declines with time. As such, elders may fill up faster and have less urge to finish their plates.
Unraveling these subtle puzzles can help understand why certain age demographics tend to eat more or less. It also highlights how our appetite is tightly coupled with biological imperatives at different stages of life. Maintaining a balanced diet suitable for specific needs is key. Parents and caretakers must be aware of variances to provide age-appropriate nutrition. Overall, this study sheds light on the interplay between hormones, metabolism and changes in appetite over the human lifespan.
