JAMA Clinical Reviews Obesity in Adolescents
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Aug 5, 2024 Aaron S. Kelly, PhD, an author and expert from the University of Minnesota Medical School, joins to tackle the pressing issue of adolescent obesity, affecting around 20% of U.S. teens. He discusses the complex interplay of screen time, food insecurity, and genetics in driving obesity. Kelly emphasizes the importance of BMI screening and recent treatment innovations, including anti-obesity medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists. He advocates for a compassionate approach in healthcare to effectively manage health risks and improve long-term outcomes for affected adolescents.
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Prevalence and Complications of Adolescent Obesity
- About 20% of US adolescents aged 12-18 have obesity defined as BMI at or above the 95th percentile.
- Obesity in adolescence is linked to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, liver disease, musculoskeletal problems, and systemic inflammation.
Complex Causes of Adolescent Obesity
- Obesity in adolescents results from a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and an obesity-promoting environment.
- Screen time and physical activity are factors but only a small part of a large multifactorial puzzle.
Food Insecurity and Obesity Link
- Food insecurity contributes to adolescent obesity, especially in marginalized communities with limited access to healthy foods.
- Processed, ultra-processed foods are cheaper and more accessible, promoting weight gain long term.