Adolescent Women and Obesity

The proportion of child and adolescent obesity in the United States has dramatically increased over the past few decades, challenging public health strategies and medical needs of the individual. The medical consequences of obesity include metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. There is no definite diagnostic criterion of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents; commonly noted features are central adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. To prevent negative health outcomes and early recognition for those at risk for overweight and obesity, healthcare providers should screen BMI in children and adolescents at least annually, as well as provide anticipatory guidance to all families during health maintenance visit. This review will address the epidemiology and consequences of obesity in children and adults, and issues for health care providers and public health officials to consider. These issues include increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary activities, and promoting healthy eating behaviors.