This Publication Is Searchable The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Section 19. Pediatrics Chapter 275. Development Adolescent Pregnancy Accidents And Violence Obesity Obesity Excessive accumulation of body fat.
Obesity is one of the most common reasons for visits to adolescent clinics.
Most cases of obesity are due to eating more than is needed. Hypothyroidism should be ruled out as a cause. If the child is short and has hypertension, Cushing's syndrome should be considered. Frequently, a mildly obese child rapidly gains weight during adolescence and becomes significantly obese. The obese adolescent often develops a poor self-image and becomes disinterested in exercise, more sedentary, and possibly socially isolated.