Citation: Baur LA, Jebeile H, Alexander S. Adolescent obesity. In: Hupp S, Jewell J (eds). Encyclopaedia of Child and Adolescent Development. John Wiley & Sons: Chichester, UK. 2020. 

Abstract

Obesity is a major public health issue that affects young people in low? and middle?income countries, as well as in high?income countries. It influences physical and psychological health in both the short and the long term. Effective management is vital, the broad principles of which include the management of comorbidities; taking a developmentally appropriate approach; the use of a range of behavior change techniques; long?term dietary change; increased physical activity; decreased sedentary behaviors; improved sleep quality; and planning for long?term weight maintenance. There are also roles for pharmacotherapy, intensive dietary interventions, and bariatric surgery in selected individuals. Ultimately, given that obesity is so prevalent, it is important that primary prevention strategies are implemented.