Adolescent obesity: current trends in identification and management.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To discuss the prevalence, identification, and clinical manifestations of adolescent obesity for the advanced practice nurse in primary care. DATA SOURCES: Selected research and clinical articles. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent obesity has been historically attributed to inappropriate diet and exercise; however, recent research also attributes adolescent obesity to genetic factors and metabolic dysfunction. If left untreated, adolescent obesity may result in the metabolic complications of dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and early onset of type 2 diabetes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Practitioners should focus on using the new body mass index (BMI) national guidelines for early identification of obesity. Essential to the management of this condition are education, parental involvement, behavior modification, and psychological support.