Adolescent obesity: current concept of management

Abstract

Obesity is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the body which leads to other health problems associated with risk of complications in childhood and increased morbidity and mortality throughout the adult life. Despite the fact that prevention is ultimately the best method to solve the problem, management of obese adolescent still remains a challenge. Physicians must keep the balance between weight reduction and maintaining normal physical growth rate. Presently, multiple approaches and strategies are used for the treatment of obesity
including lifestyle modifications, dietary management, anti-obesity drugs and bariatric surgery. Thus, physicians should have the basic understanding of these strategies in order to care for obese adolescent safety and efficiently.