A comprehensive approach to treating adolescent obesity

Obesity started to appear as a public health problem at the end of the 20th century; however, it is currently acquiring epidemic dimensions. In most cases this pathology is the result of inappropriate eating habits, which are becoming a major dietary, psychological and social problem in developed countries. In fact, the most serious consequences of obesity in adolescence appear in adulthood. Eating behavior should be conceived in an all-round perspective, including the interaction of the characteristics of the subject (biological, psychological, cultural), with the food the subject can easily access and the environment around him/her (especially peer-group and advertising pressure). In view of these conditions, it remains clear that the treatment of these patients should be individual and integral. In order to obtain a good prognosis in obese adolescents, not just weight loss through restricting their diet, an increase in physical activity should be encouraged, as well as a behavioral change affecting whole lifestyle habits. To this end, an adequate psychological monitoring is essential.