Approximately 18 percent of teens 12 to 19 years of age are obese, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007--2008. That's more than three times the number in 1980. This sharp increase is a major concern because of the serious health risks associated with teen obesity.
High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Obese teens may develop high cholesterol and triglyceride levels long before exhibiting any signs of being sick. These abnormal levels eventually lead to increased risk of stroke and heart attack in adulthood. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is not common among teenagers in general, but it is more common in obese or overweight teens.
Skeletal and Growth Problems
Another risk of teen obesity is developing bone and joint problems. At this age, bones are still growing, and excess weight on them can lead to a deformity of the lower legs known as Blount's disease. Extra weight can also cause abnormal wear and tear on joints, which may lead to arthritis at a younger than normal age. Obese teens are also at greater risk for developing a painful hip condition called slipped capital femoral epiphyses, or SCFE.
Reproductive Problems
Teen girls who are obese may develop polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a condition in which girls skip menstrual periods or never even get their periods. They may also have too much of the male hormone testosterone in their blood, which can interfere with ovulation and cause acne, excess hair growth and male-type baldness. PCOS is also linked to insulin resistance, which can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Respiratory Problems
Obesity at any age is associated with respiratory problems such as asthma and sleep apnea. Breathing problems are especially significant for teens because they can make it difficult to participate in sports and interact with friends who are more active. Sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop breathing for brief periods during sleep, can affect your ability to learn and concentrate because it interrupts sleep and leaves you feeling tired.
Diabetes
Excess fat affects the body's ability to use insulin to process glucose. This condition, called insulin resistance, can progress to full-blown type 2 diabetes in obese teens.
Emotional Problems
Obese teens tend to be less popular with their peers and are at greater risk of developing emotional problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Negative feelings developed because of teen obesity can affect emotional and mental health in adulthood.
Predictor of Adult Obesity
Perhaps one of the most significant risks of teen obesity is the likelihood that it will lead to obesity as an adult. Dr. Robert C. Whitaker, a leader in obesity research, and colleagues conducted a study, published in the "New England Journal of Medicine," that revealed that 70 to 80 percent of obese teens remain obese as adults.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Obesity
- Nemours Foundation: When Being Overweight is a Health Problem
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Obesity in Children and Teens
- New England Journal of Medicine: Predicting Obesity in Young Adulthood From Childhood and Parental Obesity
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