Obese Teenagers

Obese teenagers often experience health and social problems as a result of their weight. Learn about the health problems associated with teenagers who suffer from obesity, as well as the weight loss options available to teens.

Obesity and Teens - Health Problems

Obese teens have a heightened risk of developing serious and life-threatening conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Gallstones
• Fatty liver
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Type 2 diabetes

Obesity and Teens - Social Effects

Recent studies have also shown that depression is especially common among obese teens, who are often subjected to shame and social isolation by their peers. Many obese teens also become depressed because the intense media exposure most teenagers are subjected to causes them to have distorted self-images and unrealistic expectations of their bodies.

Weight Loss Options for Teenagers

It is unrealistic to expect obese teens to lose weight with the same diet and exercise routines that work for obese men and women. Restrictive diets are most often ineffective with obese teens, partially because teenagers are rebellious by nature and also because so much of teen culture revolves around fast food, soda, and junk food. In fact, teens on restrictive diets usually gain weight long-term.

A more effective weight loss approach for obese teens, then, is a change of lifestyle. Obese teens need to be educated on how to make wise food choices while still being able to enjoy the typical teen lifestyle. Teenagers who are obese should also be encouraged to engage in and enjoy physical activities. For obese teens and obese children, it is essential that the entire family works together to implement healthy lifestyle changes. Obese teens should meet with an experienced physician to discuss the best approach to weight loss, whether it involves weight loss surgery, or a stricter diet and exercise regimen.

Bariatric Surgery and Teens

Many surgeons believe that teenagers lack the maturity necessary to make an informed healthcare decision, such as the decision to undergo complicated weight loss surgery. However, in some life-or-death cases, obese teens have successfully undergone bariatric surgery. While some surgeons are now performing weight loss surgery on obese teens, the long-term safety and effectiveness of these procedures is yet to be determined.

Speak to a Bariatric Surgeon

In some cases, bariatric surgeons will perform weight loss surgery on teenagers. Consult obesity surgeons in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for surgery.