Tips on navigating teenage challenges

The teenage years can bring some unique challenges… not just for teens but for parents too! DR MISA NODA from Petite Practice, a paediatrician clinic and family health clinic in Singapore, shares her insights on a few common health issues for adolescents and how to tell when your teen might need extra support.

What are some of the most common health issues faced by adolescents?

Adolescence is the time where many changes occur, the most obvious one being physical. Beyond that, adolescents also undergo significant cognitive and emotional changes. In particular, the regulation of behaviour and emotion and perception and evaluation of risk and reward. Some of these executive functions reach adult dimension only in the early 20s for many.

Leading causes of mortality in adolescence – accidents, homicide and suicide – can be explained by the ongoing development in these areas. Risk-taking behaviour and poor control of emotional responses in adolescence are necessary and expected steps for attaining personal growth and independence.

This is why psychological wellbeing is key to adolescent health. Engaging a paediatrician clinic or family health clinic in Singapore to screen for any concerns around psychosocial wellbeing is really important.

Some young people will say things like “I’m fat” and “I need to go on a diet”. Is dieting safe for teens?

Long answer short: no, dieting is not safe in a teenager. That said, early weight management is important if one has obesity as a teen because the risk of developing weight related comorbidity in adulthood increases when there is obesity at a young age. Controlling the rate of weight gain is the safest first step. However, in adolescence, the body is still physically developing. Controlling the rate of weight gain does require proper guidance and monitoring from a trained healthcare professional.

For any teen who doesn’t have obesity, weight loss or weight management is not advised, for the same reason. The body is still in development until at least 18 years of age. Less visible changes like hormonal balance, bone density, cognitive and emotional development can suffer as a result of insufficient nutritional intake.

When does body image worry cross the line into a possible eating disorder?

You may notice that your teen expresses body image concerns and keeps looking at themselves in the mirror. Other concerning behaviours include avoidance of family meals, counting calories, sudden interest in vegetarianism or healthy eating habits, avoidance of carbohydrates and fats in diet, overexercising and frequent weighing. When weight loss continues, they may become irritable, depressed or withdrawn. Any weight loss in an adolescent is a red flag whether intentional or unintentional. It is a common teenage challenge and warrants an assessment by a healthcare professional.

If I suspect my teen may be struggling with depression or mental health challenges, when should I reach out to a paediatrician clinic and family health clinic in Singapore?

Depression and other mood-related disorders are common teenage challenges. If you have doubts, seek help early. If you’re experiencing difficulty bringing this up with your teen or they’re not comfortable opening up to you, don’t feel bad; this is just a phase. The presence of a safe adult like you looking out for them, is what they need most. Offer to bring them for a chat in our paediatrician clinic in Singapore or a family health clinic. If this fails, share an SOS helpline contact in the community they could use if they feel they may be in danger.

About the paediatrician

Dr Misa Noda is a consultant paediatrician specialising in paediatric and adolescent medicine with expertise in childhood immunisations, developmental assessments and adolescent care including weight management, sexual health and eating disorders. She is fluent in English and Japanese.

Petite Practice
467C Joo Chiat Road
6233 2191 | WhatsApp 8096 2191
enquiries@petitepractice.com | petitepractice.com

Now you know which family health clinic or paediatrician clinic to reach out to for support with teenage challenges, read more about health and fitness here!

This article first appeared in the December 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

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