How can lifestyle choices in adolescence affect long-term health?

Adolescence is a crucial period for establishing habits and making choices that can profoundly influence long-term health outcomes. The dietary and exercise choices made during this time can set the foundation for physical health throughout a person's life. For example, a balanced diet rich in nutrients can help develop strong bones and support growth, while regular physical activity can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers later in life. Additionally, adopting healthy routines, such as sufficient sleep and avoiding harmful substances, during adolescence can lead to better health choices in adulthood, thus creating a cumulative effect on overall well-being.

In contrast to the other options, it is clear that choices made during this formative stage do matter significantly and set the trajectory for both physical and mental health in the future. The idea that lifestyle choices in adolescence have no impact or that only adulthood matters oversimplifies the complex relationship between early behaviors and later health outcomes. Furthermore, while mental health is undeniably important, the question highlights the broader implications of lifestyle choices, emphasizing physical health as well.