Embedded Files
Excess body fat accumulation with health consequences typically defined as BMI >95th percentile for age and sex in children
Excess body fat accumulation with health consequences typically defined as BMI >95th percentile for age and sex in children
Risk Factors
Parental obesity or family history
High-calorie diet or sugary drinks
Sedentary lifestyle and excessive screen time
Socioeconomic disadvantage
Psychosocial stress or mental health conditions
Endocrine disorders or certain medications
Aetiology
Primarily due to imbalance between energy intake and expenditure
Rare secondary causes include hypothyroidism Cushing’s syndrome hypothalamic disorders
Syndromic obesity such as Prader–Willi or Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Pathophysiology
Excess caloric intake stored as triglycerides in adipose tissue
Leads to insulin resistance systemic inflammation and hormonal dysregulation
Increases risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases over time
Diagnosis
Elevated BMI-for-age above 95th percentile
Growth chart trends and waist circumference
May be associated with snoring acne acanthosis nigricans or joint pain
Assessment of lifestyle diet and psychosocial impact
Screening for comorbidities such as hypertension dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance
Differential Diagnosis
Constitutional or familial obesity
Endocrinopathies such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s
Genetic or syndromic causes
Medication-induced weight gain
Investigations
Fasting glucose insulin and HbA1c
Lipid profile
Liver function tests for NAFLD
TSH and free T4 to exclude hypothyroidism
Cortisol or genetic testing if indicated
Sleep study for OSA if snoring or fatigue
Management
Lifestyle modification with healthy eating physical activity and behaviour change
Involvement of the whole family
Screen time limits and structured meal routines
Psychological support for emotional wellbeing
Referral to dietitian or obesity service in severe or complex cases
Pharmacotherapy such as orlistat or GLP-1 agonists in select adolescents
Bariatric surgery in extreme cases with comorbidities
Complications & Prognosis
Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Hypertension dyslipidaemia and NAFLD
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Orthopaedic issues such as SCFE or Blount disease
Poor self-esteem and psychological distress
Risk of persistent obesity into adulthood
Prognosis depends on early intervention and long-term behaviour change
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse