Adolescent obesity is often accompanied by health problems such as heart disease. These conditions include insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension, which are a result of excess body fat and are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Early intervention is needed, as obese adolescents are more likely to carry these risk factors into adulthood. According to the World Health Organization, in 1975 less than 1% of children and adolescents between 5 and 19 years of age were obese, and in 2016 more than 124 million (6% of girls and 8% of boys) were obese.
Dr Tanmai Yermal (Jain), Consultant Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, shares why it is important to address obesity to prevent heart disease in adolescents and what needs to be done.
Healthy diet: Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the main tactics to prevent obesity in adolescence. It is important to reduce consumption of sugary drinks and snacks high in fat and sugar, and increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. It is important to include nutritional education and the effects of dietary choices on health in educational programs and community initiatives.
Regular exercisePhysical activity can help reduce the risk of heart disease and maintain a healthy weight. Teens should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a day. Parents can encourage this by providing opportunities for physical activity through sports programs, physical education classes, and active transportation activities, such as biking or walking to school.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): To combat obesity, behavioral interventions, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, are important. CBT focuses on recognizing and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to food and exercise, and is beneficial in helping adolescents create healthier eating habits and improve physical activity. Since family support is important in creating a good home environment, involving family members in these treatments can increase their success.
Surgery options: When all previous attempts at weight loss have failed, surgery may become essential for those suffering from extreme obesity. Bariatric surgery, which encompasses treatments such as adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, can improve obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as dramatically reduce body weight.
It is important to seek medical help
Physicians play an important role in early intervention by regularly assessing adolescents’ weight and cardiovascular health. Systematic screening for obesity-related risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, can help in the early detection of high-risk patients.
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