Experts warn that while AI can assist in information sharing, adolescent nutrition requires professional oversight to ensure safe, balanced dietary patterns.

The Independent contacted the AI companies for comment, and a response is anticipated but has not yet been provided.

A Frontiers in Nutrition study shows five leading AI chatbots consistently generate three-day weight-loss meal plans for 15-year-olds that undercount calories by roughly 700 per day versus a dietitian, risking growth, hormonal balance, and overall health.

Public use of AI for nutrition advice among teens is rising, but reliable data specific to AI-generated teen meal plans is limited and calls for further research.

Health professionals urge parents and educators to treat AI health advice with caution and emphasize that AI cannot replace guidance from certified clinicians, highlighting the need for critical evaluation of AI outputs.

Context notes reference a UNN/Gizmodo report and Ukraine-related statistics on AI tool use among adults and teens to provide broader applicability.

Caloric and macronutrient imbalances in AI-generated plans can impair growth, hormonal balance, brain development, and may lead to long-term issues like osteoporosis and immune dysfunction.

Findings show variability among AI responses but a common pattern of underestimating total energy and shifting toward insufficient calories, with some plans even suggesting missed meals.

Anastasia Kalea of University College London cautioned that generalized AI data lacks personal medical history and assessment, reducing effectiveness and potentially longevity of treatment.

An external UCL nutrition researcher echoed these concerns, noting that lack of personalization and clinical context in AI diet advice can heighten harm and reinforce the need for professional involvement in developing safer tools.

Experts stress carbohydrates are essential for teen growth, and warn against ketogenic or very low-carbohydrate regimens unless supervised by a medical professional.

Researchers emphasize that AI models prioritize plausible, user-friendly responses over clinically precise guidance, often relying on generalized patterns rather than age-specific needs.