ACOG Releases Management Tips for Teen Obesity

​The prevalence of obesity increased from 10% to 21% among adolescent females (age 12 to 19 years) between the 1980s and 2014, according to a September 2017 committee opinion released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Adolescent Health Care. Increased obesity rates are often accompanied by an increase in weight-related diseases that may result in medical, psychologic, and reproductive challenges, making early intervention critical for prevention of short- and long-term morbidity. ACOG suggests that obstetricians and gynecologists should be aware of behavioral and environmental factors that influence obesity and be ready to educate adolescents and their parents about the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.