The frequency of being overweight in children, adolescents, and teenagers has increased dramatically in recent years. Nearly one-third of youth are either overweight or obese.
Excess weight and obesity in teenagers represents the combination of environmental, cultural, economic, and genetic risk factors.
Sweetened drinks, fast food, snack foods, a lack of physical activity, and an overabundance of sedentary behaviors all contribute to the problem.
Genetics determines a significant portion of an individual’s weight. However, we cannot change our genes, but can change our habits and environment.
Health consequences of obesity in teens and adolescents include:
Bariatric surgery is not an option for everyone. It's only for people who are very obese and have failed more conservative measures.
To be considered for bariatric surgery, you must:
Some medical problems in obese teens that may improve after bariatric surgery are:
You can learn more about the factors that make a person a likely candidate for bariatric surgery at one of UPMC's free information sessions.
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