children s health issues
Obesity in Adolescents
Treatment of Obesity in Adolescents
Healthy eating and exercise habits For adolescents 12 years old and older with a BMI at or over the 95th percentile, weight-loss medications For adolescents 13 years old and older with a BMI significantly over the 95th percentile, evaluation for weight-loss surgery All children and adolescents with obesity are given intensive strategies to help them develop healthy eating and exercise habits and make changes to their health behavior. Reducing calorie intake and burning calories are two ways to meet these goals. Calorie intakeis reduced by Establishing a well-balanced diet of ordinary foods Making permanent changes in eating habits Calorie burningis increased by Increasing physical activity Adolescents 12 years old and older with obesity (BMI at or over the 95th percentile for age and gender) may be given medications for weight loss. Adolescents 13 years old and older with severe obesity (BMI significantly above the 95th percentile for age and gender) may be referred to a surgeon who specializes in this area for a full evaluation for weight-loss surgery ( Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery ). Counseling to help adolescents cope with social problems, including poor self-esteem, may be helpful. 