Staying fit
The current recommendation for teenage exercise is one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week.
Your son’s daily calorie intake should depend on: height, weight, age, lifestyle and genetics. Some people need fewer calories than others to maintain a healthy weight.
Calorie recommendations for teen boys:
- 1,500 to 2,400 per day if sedentary
- 2,100 to 2,500 per day if moderately active
- 2,800 to 3,400 per day if active
- 3,300 to 4,000 per day if very active
Eugene Pediatric Associates does not recommend counting calories. Instead, encourage your son to make healthy choices by selecting foods from each of the major food groups, eating when hungry, and stopping when full. Go to our special section on teen nutrition to learn more.