Management of Obesity in Adolescence

Abstract

A great deal of the discouragement about treating adolescents who are obese is related to the traditional treatment approaches. Obesity is a complex problem needing comprehensive treatment. Focusing on weight loss as a short-term goal is unreasonable because of individual variation in the physiologic potential to lose weight. Short-term goals and rewards are related to adopting daily habits that will lead to a decrease in energy storage in the long term. Support for changing habits and improving psychosocial adjustment is a necessary component of effective treatment, enabling patients and their families to make changes.