Obesity Medicine

Adolescent Health and Obesity

Rates of obesity among adolescents in the United States have increased at a dramatic rate along with the prevalence of weight-related diseases. Because the obese female adolescent faces medical, psychologic, and reproductive health challenges, early intervention is imperative in preventing short-term and long-term morbidity. The obstetrician–gynecologist should be knowledgeable about the behavioral and environmental factors that influence obesity and should educate adolescents and their parents about an active lifestyle and healthy caloric intake. The obstetrician–gynecologist should be able to identify obese adolescents, particularly those at risk of comorbid conditions. Obstetrician–gynecologists may have the opportunity to initiate behavioral counseling, participate in multidisciplinary teams that care for overweight and obese adolescents, and advocate for community programs to prevent obesity.

Adolescents affected by obesity are at an increased risk of developing comorbidities. As weight increases, the risk of impaired glucose tolerance increases. The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (HgbA1C greater than 5.7 or fasting glucose greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL) is 1.87% in overweight adolescents (12–18 years) and increases progressively to a prevalence of 13.19% in adolescents with class III obesity