Obesity in teens is a complex metabolic health problem that could be caused by a combination of factors. Generally, the condition isn’t life-threatening, but it can lead to several chronic health issues, such as hypertension and type-2 diabetes, in the long run. Over time, these chronic health problems may affect a teen’s growth, development, and overall life quality. As a parent, you may feel worried about this scenario. But thankfully, timely intervention can help teens lose excess weight and improve their overall health. This post tells you about the possible causes, diagnoses, and treatments for teen obesity and effective ways to prevent it.
When Is A Teen Categorized As Obese?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a teen with a BMI at or above 95th percentile for the same age and gender is considered obese (1). BMI or body mass index is one’s weight in kilograms divided by height in meters square (kg/m2). To determine a teen’s percentile, you need to calculate their BMI and plot it on the CDC’s growth chart. Below is the interpretation of the BMI percentiles in terms of weight category.
Percentile Range For BMI
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Note: BMI cannot determine the quantity of body fat. If precise body fat levels are desired, then BMI should be correlated with direct methods of body fat assessment, such as skinfold thickness measurement, bioelectrical impedance (BIA), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Once a teen’s weight category is known, determining the possible causes for excess weight gain is necessary to take corrective measures.
What Are The Possible Causes Of Teen Obesity?
Teenage obesity has a complex etiology and involves several causative factors (2). Besides these, socioeconomic issues and slow metabolism could also lead to obesity in teens.
What Are The Possible Complications Of Teenage Obesity?
Obesity can increase the risk of a range of medical complications, which could affect a teen’s long-term physical and mental health (15) (16) (17).
High cholesterol levels leading to high blood pressure, both of which are high-risk factors for heart diseases
High sugar levels due to insulin resistance, which over time, develops into type-2 diabetes. If not managed correctly, diabetes could cause other health issues, such as kidney problems.
Joint problems, such as osteoarthritis, in which the joints grow weak due to stress caused by the extra weight
Sleep apnea in which the breathing suddenly stops for a brief duration, hindering sleep. Other breathing problems, such as asthma, may also develop due to obesity.
Depression and anxiety that develops over time due to low self-esteem and poor confidence A negative self-image could make a teen feel socially disconnected, leading to isolation.
Headaches and migraines are more common in obese individuals
Asthma control is more difficult in obese individuals with more frequent episodes of symptoms.
Besides these, obesity increases the risk of a host of other health problems, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
What Are The Symptoms Of Obesity In Teens?
The appearance of excessive body fat is the main symptom of obesity. Some other common symptoms of obesity that may be noticeable in a teen are (15):
Shortness of breath during physical activity Skin folds around the abdomen and back of the shoulders Stretch marks on the hips, thighs, and abdomen Dark skin folds and creases around the neck, groin, and armpit. It is also known as acanthosis nigricans. Gynecomastia, a condition in which the accumulation of fatty tissues occurs around the nipple and breast area in males
What Is The Treatment Of Obesity In Teens?
Treatment plans for obesity depend on the teen’s symptoms, age, overall health condition, and severity of obesity. The comprehensive treatment plan for obesity typically includes (15) (16): Teens with severe obesity (morbid obesity) may be advised to follow other treatment modalities, such as medications and bariatric or weight loss surgery. These treatment methods could be followed up with other traditional weight loss methods. Medication and surgery are very rarely needed in the teenage population. This is a mostly preventable condition if intervention is early enough.
How To Prevent Obesity In Adolescents?
Preventing obesity is possible through improvement in a teen’s diet and lifestyle. Below are some tips that you could try to keep your teen’s weight in check.
