Obesity has become a global epidemic, with more than 1.9 billion adults and 340 million children and adolescents being overweight or obese. The long-term impact of obesity goes beyond physical discomfort and poor self-image.

It is a leading risk factor for many chronic diseases, including liver diseases. Several studies have shown that adolescent body mass index (BMI) can predict liver diseases in the future.

This article looks at the relationship between adolescent BMI and liver diseases and the importance of addressing overweight or obesity in adolescence.

What is BMI?

BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. For example, if a person weighs 70 kilograms and is 1.7 meters tall, their BMI is 24.2 (70 ÷ 1.7²).

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy, while a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is overweight, and a BMI of 30 or more is obese.

Adolescent BMI and Liver Diseases

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver cells.

It is strongly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are characterized by insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid profiles. NAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease globally, affecting up to 25% of the world’s population.

Several studies have shown that adolescent BMI can predict the development and severity of NAFLD in adulthood.

A study published in the Journal of Hepatology followed 1449 healthy adolescents for 33 years and found that those who had a BMI greater than 25 at 17 years had a higher risk of developing NAFLD in adulthood. Another study published in Hepatology followed 8,813 young adults for 23 years and found that a higher BMI at the age of 18 was associated with a higher risk of liver cancer in adulthood.

The risk of liver cancer increased by 12% for every one-point increase in BMI.

Adolescent BMI is also a predictor of other liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease and viral hepatitis.

A study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology followed 29,000 male adolescents for 24 years and found that those who had a higher BMI at the age of 18 had a higher risk of developing alcoholic liver disease in adulthood. Another study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that obesity in adolescence was associated with a higher risk of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adulthood.

Why is Adolescent BMI Important?

Preventing and treating overweight or obesity in adolescence is crucial for many reasons. First, it improves health outcomes in adolescence, such as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea.

Second, it reduces the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, such as liver diseases, cancer, and stroke. Third, it improves quality of life, both physical and mental, and reduces stigma and discrimination against overweight or obese individuals.

Adolescence is a critical period for weight management because it is a time of rapid growth and development. Puberty affects body composition, metabolism, and appetite, and it can lead to changes in weight and BMI.

Adolescents also face many challenges that affect their weight status, such as changes in family and social environments, dietary habits, and physical activity. Therefore, it is essential to implement policies and programs that promote healthy lifestyles and prevent unhealthy weight gain in adolescence.

Preventing and Treating Overweight or Obesity in Adolescence

Preventing and treating overweight or obesity in adolescence requires a multi-sectoral and comprehensive approach that involves individuals, families, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Here are some strategies that can be used:.

Promoting healthy eating habits, such as increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reducing intake of sugary drinks, high-fat foods, and processed foods.
Promoting physical activity, such as encouraging regular exercise, reducing sedentary behavior, and promoting active transport.
Encouraging healthy sleep patterns, such as reducing screen time before bedtime, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and ensuring a quiet and comfortable sleep environment.
Providing high-quality healthcare that includes regular screening for weight status, counseling on healthy lifestyles, and referral to specialized services if necessary.
Creating healthy environments, such as promoting healthy meals and snacks in schools and workplaces, and providing safe and accessible places for physical activity.
Implementing policies and regulations that promote healthy lifestyles, such as taxes on sugary drinks, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods, and zoning regulations that promote active living.

Conclusion

Adolescent BMI can predict liver diseases in the future, such as NAFLD, alcoholic liver disease, and viral hepatitis.

Preventing and treating overweight or obesity in adolescence is crucial for improving health outcomes, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving quality of life. It requires a multi-sectoral and comprehensive approach that involves individuals, families, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

By addressing overweight or obesity in adolescence, we can promote a healthy and productive future for generations to come.