Obesity in adolescents has become a significant public health concern globally. Multiple factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to adolescent obesity.

Adolescent obesity emerges due to an imbalance of caloric intake and expenditure, resulting in an increase in fat storage. While obesity in adolescents can lead to multiple health problems, there is growing evidence that obesity can result in early mortality. This article examines the link between adolescent obesity and early mortality.

What is adolescent obesity?

Adolescent obesity is defined as an excess accumulation of body fat, which can impair health and increase mortality risk. Obesity is measured using the body mass index (BMI); a BMI greater than or equal to 95 percentile is considered obese.

Adolescent obesity is categorized using sex and age-specific percentiles, and it is different from adult obesity. Obesity in adolescence can lead to several health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea.

Why is pediatric obesity concerning?

The prevalence of pediatric obesity has risen rapidly in recent decades, making it a significant public health problem globally.

According to the World Health Organization, the worldwide number of obese children and adolescents has increased rapidly from 11 million in 1975 to 124 million in 2016. Obesity in adolescence not only leads to several health problems but also may have long-term consequences, including early mortality.

The link between adolescent obesity and early mortality

Multiple studies have shown that adolescent obesity is associated with early mortality.

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that individuals with obesity in adolescence had a higher risk of early death than those with a healthy weight. Adolescents with a BMI in the obese range had a four-fold greater risk of early death before the age of 55 than those with a BMI in the normal range.

The study suggests that the higher risk of early death is mainly due to cardiovascular disease and cancer, both of which are associated with obesity.

Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined the relationship between adolescent obesity and premature death and found similar results.

The study found that obese adolescents were more likely to die prematurely from various causes than their healthy peers. The premature deaths were mainly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which are linked to obesity.

How does adolescent obesity lead to early mortality?

Several pathways have been proposed to explain how adolescent obesity leads to early mortality.

Obesity in adolescence often leads to other health problems such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure, all of which can contribute to premature death. Additionally, obesity in adolescence can lead to chronic inflammation, which contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Besides, obesity in adolescence can affect mental health, leading to depression, which, in turn, can lead to substance abuse or suicide.

Preventing adolescent obesity and early mortality

Preventing adolescent obesity and early mortality starts with a healthy lifestyle.

Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding sedentary behaviors can help prevent obesity and other health problems associated with obesity. Other strategies include promoting healthy habits in school and the community, such as providing healthy food in school vending machines and increasing access to recreational activities.

Conclusion

Adolescent obesity is a significant public health problem that leads to several health problems and early mortality.

Multiple studies have shown that adolescents with obesity are at higher risk of early death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other conditions. Obesity prevention strategies should focus on promoting healthy habits, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and minimizing sedentary behavior.