Obesity in a male teenager is best described as an adolescent with a body mass index that places him in the 95th or higher percentile for his age. This means he has a body mass index, or BMI, higher than roughly 95 percent of his peers. BMI is defined as an indication of the body's "fatness" level. As is true in adults, excess body fat increases the risk of health complications for teenagers.
Complications
Some of the more serious complications of obesity for teens include high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, which increases their risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. They're also at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome. For some teens, the excess body fat can even affect puberty.
Puberty
According to the Mayo Clinic, obesity at any age can cause male hypogonadism, or late pubertal initiation. The excess weight can lead to issues in the pituitary glands or hypothalamus, which can negatively impact the function of the testicles. If the testicles are unable to produce enough testosterone, puberty becomes delayed for the boy. A study conducted by the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at the Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit at the University of Michigan supports this claim, showing that boys in the highest BMI trajectory are more likely to experience a delay in puberty than those with a lower body mass index.
Weight Loss
When puberty becomes delayed as a result of excess body fat, weight loss can sometimes correct the issue. With teens, a healthy weight loss of anywhere from 1 lb. a week to 1 lb. a month is often best, notes the Mayo Clinic. This is accomplished by changing your teen's diet, such as incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy into meals, as well as limiting soda or juice intake. Dietary changes are typically combined with increases in physical activity to burn more calories in a day.
Treatment
If weight loss fails to bring on puberty for your teen, your doctor may recommend medical treatment. Testosterone replacement therapy is one option. Testosterone is administered by way of injection, gel, patch, pill or even gum. By supplementing this male hormone, a teen experiencing delayed puberty can begin to develop secondary sex characteristics, including pubic hair growth, facial hair growth, increased muscle mass and penis growth.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Childhood Obesity
- MayoClinic.com: Male Hypogonadism
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Helping Your Overweight Child
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About BMI for Children and Teens
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Body Mass Index and Timing of Pubertal Initiation in Boys
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