Obesity among teenagers is a growing health concern, with about 14.7 million kids and teens aged 2 to 19 in the United States living with obesity. Obesity affects physical health and takes a toll on confidence, mood, and overall emotional development. Understanding the root causes of teenage obesity is the first step toward helping them build healthier habits. Read on to discover the early warning signs of obesity, effective treatment options, and practical tips for parents to support their teens with weight management. 

What is overweight and obesity?

Overweight is when someone’s body has more body fat than is considered healthy. It may not cause health problems immediately but is a sign that their body is carrying more weight than it should and can cause problems later on. Obesity is a health condition that occurs when a person has a lot more body fat than is considered healthy and can cause immediate health problems. Medical providers use a measurement called Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if someone is overweight or obese. It is calculated using a person’s height and weight. A BMI of 25 or higher  is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Being overweight or having obesity can increase the risk of other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, fatty liver, and sleep apnea, especially if you carry extra fat around your waist.

What causes obesity in teenagers?

There are many reasons why a teenager might become obese, and it’s often due to a mix of different factors. Common causes include:

• Lack of physical activity and exercise

• Eating more calories than the body needs 

• Poor dietary choices, such as fast food and sugary beverages

• Inadequate sleep (less than 8 hours per night)

• Too much screen time (smartphones, tablets, video games)

• Facing a lot of stress and emotional strain

“Sometimes there’s more going on beneath the surface,” says Dr. Rachel Coel MD, PhD, FAAP, CAQ, DABOM, Pediatrician at Summer Health. “Certain medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can make it harder to manage weight, and some medications (like antidepressants or mood stabilizers) can result in weight gain.” Dr. Coel adds that it’s not always just about food or exercise. Every teen’s situation is unique and multiple factors often come into play.

Risk factors for obesity

There are many factors that can increase a teenager’s risk of developing obesity, and not all of them are within their control. Examples include:

• Family history of obesity

• Limited access to healthy foods (food inequality)

• Lower socioeconomic status

• Spending too much time sitting or using screens

• Emotional challenges such as bullying, depression, or anxiety

• Certain medical conditions or illnesses

• Genetics

“When I think about obesity, I try to look at the whole situation—not just habits, but also the environment and health factors that might be influencing someone’s weight,” says Dr. Coel. All of these factors often work together to make it harder for teens to manage their weight.

Early signs and symptoms of obesity in teenagers

There are several signs that may indicate a teenager is struggling with their weight. They might not be obvious at first, but noticing them early can help you provide support sooner. Some common signs include:

• Clothing fitting tightly or differently due to weight gain

• No longer interested in playing sports or being active like they used to

• Mood changes, like feeling down or avoiding social situations

• Self-conscious about appearance (often teens will dress in baggy clothing to hide their body)

• Joint pain, fatigue, or more out of breath during mild exercise, like walking or going up stairs

• Changes in eating habits, like sneaking food, snacking frequently, or eating extra servings

While these signs don’t always point to obesity, they can signal that something isn’t right and may need attention. “It’s also important to know that excessive weight gain can lead to other health issues, like type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Coel. One physical clue can be acanthosis nigricans, a patch of dark, velvety skin on the back of the neck, which may indicate problems with insulin and blood sugar.

Managing obesity in teenagers 

Treating obesity depends on each teen’s individual needs, underlying causes, and lifestyle. Working with a doctor and a registered dietitian can help set realistic goals and create a personalized plan. Treatment options may include:

• Personalized meal plan and dietary changes

• Nutrition education

• Recommendations for physical activities and healthy lifestyle choices

• An exercise plan 

• Individual therapy or support groups

• Weight loss medications (if necessary)

“When it comes to treating obesity, I’ve found that the best approach is teamwork,” says Dr. Coel. “It helps to start with your child’s pediatrician or family doctor, and they can guide you through options and help figure out what’s going on beneath the surface.” If you’re concerned that your teen may be struggling with their weight, reach out to your local doctor or Summer Health pediatrician for support. 

Parental support is crucial.  Managing obesity works best when the whole family is on board. This can include grocery shopping together for new healthy food choices, cooking nutritious meals as a family, planning active family activities, or encouraging each other to make healthier choices to support weight management. 

Healthy habits for the whole family 

Dr. Coel shares practical tips for promoting healthy eating and lifestyle habits that the whole family can enjoy.

Focus on balanced eating

Start by adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats in your snacks and meals. Simple swaps can make a big difference, such as:

• Choosing ground turkey instead of beef

• Starting a meal with a side salad with a small amount of dressing

• Switching to low-fat, unsweetened dairy products

• Offering seltzer or sugar-free sparkling water instead of sugary drinks

It’s equally important to help your teen tune in to their appetite: eat when hungry, stop before feeling too full, and avoid snacking out of boredom, stress, or emotion. Encourage healthier ways to cope, such as talking with a therapist or taking a walk outside to cool off when having big feelings. 

We often celebrate achievements or happy occasions with food, but finding ways to show love and support without food can be healthier and just as meaningful. Some ideas include watching a favorite movie together, going on a family outdoor adventure, organizing a game night, or going to a sports game.

Move more every day

Physical activity doesn’t have to be organized sports. Encourage your teen to try biking, hiking, scavenger hunts, taking walks while listening to a podcast or fun music, or taking a dance class. Strength training can also be helpful. Not only does it help burn more calories, but it also builds muscle tone, improves strength, and boosts confidence.

Create a healthy lifestyle

One of the biggest challenges for teenagers is cutting back on screen time. Much of their schoolwork is on computers and other tech. In addition, many teens spend hours watching videos, scrolling through social media, texting on their phones, or playing video games. Instead of constantly fighting over screens, try encouraging fun, engaging activities that naturally reduce screen time. 

Ideas include going for a bike ride or rollerblading, starting a creative project like learning an instrument or taking an art class, or encouraging a hobby or extracurricular activity at school. By offering fun alternatives, teens are naturally less likely to spend too much time on their devices. Additionally, to improve their sleep, turn off all screens one hour before bedtime and remove them from the bedroom.

How parents can help their obese teenager 

Talking about weight can be sensitive, so it’s important to approach the conversation with care. “I like to describe obesity as ‘unhealthy weight,’” says Dr. Coel. “Rephrasing it this way removes the stigma around appearance and focuses on the fact that extra weight can affect overall health.”

Parents can support their teens by showing love and encouragement, spending time together preparing healthy meals, and enjoying physical activities like walks or workouts as a family. Framing lifestyle changes as a goal for better health for the whole family can make the process more positive and motivating for everyone.

How can Summer Health help?

Talking about weight can be challenging for parents and sometimes bring up feelings of guilt or frustration. At Summer Health, we encourage parents to first recognize what their child and family are already doing well, whether it’s healthy eating habits, physical activity, or other positive routines. Next, we identify areas to focus on for improvement.

By looking at what has worked in the past, we can build on those strategies to address current challenges. Our approach is customized to fit each family’s needs, making changes practical, convenient, and sustainable. We start with small, manageable steps to help families see early progress and keep everyone motivated and inspired to continue toward healthier habits.

If you have questions about your teen’s weight or diet, reach out to your family doctor or Summer Health pediatrician for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.