Management of Adolescent Obesity
The etiology of adolescent obesity relates to both genetic makeup and environmental factors such as increased consumption of high-energy foods and decreased physical activity. Prevention of obesity during childhood is supported by numerous philanthropic efforts in the United States; however, primary preventive measures often are not implemented appropriately, resulting in adolescent obesity. Secondary and tertiary prevention strategies facilitated by a multidisciplinary healthcare team incorporate structured behavioral interventions to prevent adult obesity. Beyond nonpharmacologic therapies, evidence supports the use of pharmacologic agents and surgical procedures for adolescent obesity management in certain populations.
According to the CDC, approximately 12.7 million children and adolescents in the United States are obese, totaling 17% of the population aged 2 to 19 years. As with adult obesity, risk factors for childhood obesity include race, age, and social class. In addition, parental factors such as education level and income have been noted to impact the prevalence of childhood obesity. Complications secondary to adolescent obesity, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), align with those of adult obesity; however, these complications may yield higher mortality outcomes, owing to the younger age at onset and the limited use of pharmacologic and surgical methods in this population. This review article aims to summarize the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of adolescent obesity.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
The etiology of adolescent obesity relates to both genetic makeup and environmental factors such as increased consumption of high-energy foods and decreased physical activity. Prevention of obesity during childhood is supported by numerous philanthropic efforts in the United States; however, primary preventive measures often are not implemented appropriately, resulting in adolescent obesity. Secondary and tertiary prevention strategies facilitated by a multidisciplinary healthcare team incorporate structured behavioral interventions to prevent adult obesity. Beyond nonpharmacologic therapies, evidence supports the use of pharmacologic agents and surgical procedures for adolescent obesity management in certain populations.
Introduction
According to the CDC, approximately 12.7 million children and adolescents in the United States are obese, totaling 17% of the population aged 2 to 19 years. As with adult obesity, risk factors for childhood obesity include race, age, and social class. In addition, parental factors such as education level and income have been noted to impact the prevalence of childhood obesity. Complications secondary to adolescent obesity, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), align with those of adult obesity; however, these complications may yield higher mortality outcomes, owing to the younger age at onset and the limited use of pharmacologic and surgical methods in this population. This review article aims to summarize the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of adolescent obesity.
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