Obesity among adolescents has become a major public health concern in recent years. Adolescent obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for their age and gender.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20% of adolescents in the United States are obese. The consequences of adolescent obesity can be both physical and psychological. This critical review will examine the consequences of adolescent obesity in detail.

Physical Consequences

Adolescent obesity can have numerous physical consequences that include:.

Type 2 Diabetes

A study conducted by the CDC found that obese adolescents are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When the body becomes resistant to this hormone, blood sugar levels can rise to dangerous levels.

High Blood Pressure

Obese adolescents are also at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to numerous health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Asthma

Obesity has also been linked to asthma. According to a study published in the medical journal Chest, obese adolescents are more likely to develop asthma than their non-obese peers.

The exact reason for this link is not known, but it is believed that inflammation in the body may play a role.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep.

Obese adolescents are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Psychological Consequences

Adolescent obesity can also have psychological consequences that include:.

Low Self-esteem

Obese adolescents may experience low self-esteem and poor body image. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

Bullying and Teasing

Obese adolescents may be bullied or teased by their peers. This can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance.

Eating Disorders

Obese adolescents may also be at a higher risk of developing eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder.

Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food, often in secret, and feeling a lack of control over the behavior.

Conclusion

Adolescent obesity can have numerous physical and psychological consequences. These consequences can lead to serious health problems in adulthood, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

It is important for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to be aware of the risks associated with adolescent obesity and take steps to prevent or treat it.