whats with all the teens lately

My 15 year old son started this journey with me back in April and I wanted to start an account for him but I didn't. I understand the medical side of this, as far as they require more calories and such but I haven't been able to find anything for him to use like this.

I think it would be great for teens that want to get in better shape and balance their health and body to have a resource like this.

Education was a huge part of my succsess on here and I've helped him to understand portion control, balance and health as much as I can but something specific to their developing bodies would be great.

I disagree with the limit on age. Block their ability to use the forums but allow them to use the website. I was an overweight teen, I would have loved to have had something like this website 17 years ago!

AGREE

Hi, I'm 15 and my doctor was the one who told me about this site. I was overweight and miserable so we went over my food needs (both as a semi-active teenage and pescetarian) and he helped me set up this profile. My mom is fully aware I have it and she's okay with it as long as I don't do anything dangerous.
I do have a number of friends around my age on here who do set their caloric goals too low but its better they do it here, where every time they submit they are reminded its too low, than somewhere else. They'll be counting calories regardless so there's no help in kicking them off the site.

^ dangerous post for a topic like this haha

Hi Folks,

I regret that the age limit is a cause of concern for some members.

Unfortunately, our system is not set up to account for the nutritional needs of developing bodies.

In addition, there are legal ramifications to allowing the use of the site by those not old enough to enter into the legal contract implied by our Terms of Use.

When I become aware of use of the site by minors, I send the following communication and wait to be certain the members has had a chance to read the note, before taking action to cancel the account.

Regards,
Steven
MyFitnessPal Staff





Dear User,

The staff at MyFitnessPal want you to know that while we applaud your desire to be fit and healthy, we are required, due to your age, to cancel your profile on our site. You will find the relevant item from our Terms of Use below.

We would love to have you back when you reach the age of 18. In the meantime, here are links to some great information on the topic of weight and nutrition management for youth.


http://www.nutrition.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=11&tax_level=2&tax_subject=390&topic_id=1744&placement_default=0

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

http://www.smallstep.gov/

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, MyFitnessPal strongly recommends that anyone suffering from the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, or Compulsive eating make use of the resources offered by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. You may reach the ANAD hotline by phone in the US: 847-831-3438 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Central Time) or on the web at http://www.anad.org/site/anadweb/

We wish you the best,

The Team at MyFitnessPal

*****

From our Terms of Use:

ELIGIBILITY

BY USING THE WEBSITE OR SERVICES, YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT YOU ARE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD AND ARE OTHERWISE LEGALLY QUALIFIED TO ENTER INTO AND FORM CONTRACTS UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement is void where prohibited.