Medical interventions in adolescent obesity

The prevalence of adolescent obesity has tripled since the 1960s. Adolescent obesity is a strong predictor of adult obesity and its related comorbidities; hence, its management has become a major focus in adolescent care. Decreasing caloric intake seems to best predict maintenance of long-term weight loss. Although isolated physical activity has not shown to be effective for weight loss, appropriate levels of physical activity can alter body composition and contribute to weight maintenance. Behavior-modification techniques serve as useful adjuncts by facilitating patient adherence. Multidisciplinary weight-loss programs that provide individualized nutritional counseling and physical activity and use behavioral techniques have shown limited success in helping adolescents achieve and sustain weight loss. Pharmacologic agents should be used carefully as adjuncts, but long-term studies regarding their efficacy in sustaining weight loss are not available in adolescents.