Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
6-12-2014
Abstract
Among adolescents aged 12-19 in the United States, the prevalence of obesity increased from 5% in the late 70s to 18.1% between 2007-2008. It has more than tripled over the last 30 years. Obese children are more likely to have: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, joint problems, fatty liver disease, gallstones, heartburn, and poor self-esteem. It does not stop there: Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. Obesity in adulthood is associated with many serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Adolescence is an excellent intervention period as this is a time when lifelong habits and a sense of self are formed. A school setting is ideal because school is where children are accessible and prepared to learn. Because losing weight may be seen as a complex and difficult process, to make this process less daunting we propose to study a simplified, stepwise approach to weight loss in adolescents.
Sponsorship
American Academy of Pediatrics -- Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program.
Recommended Citation
Brucker, Richard; Kevin Vlahovich; Sylvia Negrete; Julie Lords; and Alberta Kong. "Helping Adolescents Get Into A Healthy Weight Range." (2014). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/peds_pubs/2
