A research study published in the Journal of Pediatrics followed over 5,000 girls aged 14-21 from around the United States to see if there were any correlations between alcohol consumption, internet usage, coffee (with caffeine) intake, sleep and increases in body mass index. Females, aged 18+ years who slept less than or equal to five hours per night or who drank 2 or more alcoholic beverages per week gained an average of 4 extra pounds over 1 year. And these behaviors were highly correlated with internet use.
What this study, and others like it, reveals is that older girls will benefit from replacing recreational Internet time with sleep and by avoiding alcohol. I also recommend that women in this age group consume a high potency multivitamin complex, essential fatty acids, and take in adequate amounts of quality protein each day. All of these components will help their developing bodies to handle stress in a healthy way, which will translate into a healthy weight and will prevent unnecessary pounds from creeping in!
In health,
Dr. Gina's Blog 