Adolescent Obesity

Dr. Jennifer Ashton discussed the dangers of adolescent obesity and how to prevent it.

Obesity in children and adolescents is defined as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile. The healthy BMI range varies with the age and sex of the child.

As with obesity in adults, many different factors contribute to the rising rates of childhood obesity. Changing diet and decreasing physical activity are believed to be the two most important in causing the recent increase in the rates.

Treatments used in children are primarily lifestyle interventions and behavioral techniques.