Understanding Adolescent Obesity: A Growing Concern

Adolescent obesity affects roughly 20% of individuals aged 12 to 18 in the United States, and this statistic has risen since the mid-1970s. Key complications associated with obesity in adolescents include prediabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia characterized by low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides, liver disease, musculoskeletal issues, and heightened inflammation. Furthermore, the challenges of screen time and food insecurity are contributing factors, reflecting a convergence of societal influences promoting obesity alongside biological vulnerabilities.