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.