Obesity has become a public health epidemic. The number of pediatric and adolescent patients who are overweight or obese has more than doubled over the last two decades. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that in 2013, 42 million children worldwide were overweight or obese (WHO, 2015). Obesity is defined as excess amounts of adipose tissue that may cause increased risk for mortality and morbidity. A body mass index (BMI) ≥25 is overweight, and a BMI of ≥30 is obese. This research paper will serve to review the physical and psychological effects of obesity in pediatric patients. Further, it will explore various criteria and recommendations for treatment including, but not limited to lifestyle, pharmacologic and …show more content…
They must learn to manage the care of patients with obesity-related diseases during their adolescent years (Pietrobelli, Rugolotto, DeCristoforo & Malavolti, 2009). Chronic diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia and premature death may be the result of severe obesity (Pietrobelli, et al., 2009). Excessive weight gain is influenced by a cascade of factors including, genetics, environment and biology. Health care providers must understand that in order to reverse the current trend, they will have to take an approach that is not only multi-faceted but also review current research and practice standards available to provide optimal treatment (Inge, et al., 2004). “Epidemiological evidence supports the theory that the relation between obesity and disease risk begins early in life, and those risk factors for disease track, or remain at a similar level, with advancing age, growth, and development” (Pietrobelli, et al., 2009, p. …show more content…
The disadvantage of this medication is the patient’s requirement to adhere to a low-fat diet. Failure to do so will cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort as Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor which blocks dietary fat through malabsorption. Negative side effects can include gas, bloating, fecal urgency and incontinence as well as abdominal pain (Austin, et al., 2012). The final discord with pharmacological methods is the discouraging fact that most insurances will not cover the cost of the medication. The length of treatment is often extended due to the amount of weight loss required and many patients are unable to afford the out of pocket expenses of medications. Therefore, successful treatment is limited for most patients. Bariatric surgery is a promising new option for these patients in order to decrease their risk of morbidity and mortality (Sysko et al., 2011). Studies have shown positive results in decreased body mass index and improvement of obesity related comorbidities. There is however, debate over the psychological stability of teens to assent to the surgical procedure and, their compliance with diet restrictions