A high school student weighing 80 kg has excessive total cholesterol and triglycerides! Doctors help control weight and the values ​​return to normal

The obesity rate among Taiwanese teenagers is high, with approximately 1 in 3 children and adolescents being overweight or obese. At the beginning of last semester, Xiaojie, who had just entered high school, underwent the school's routine health check and brought back a red health report. The 15-year-old was 168 cm tall and weighed 80 kg. His body mass index (BMI) was 28.3, which exceeded the normal value of 16.9-22.9 and reached the obesity level. In addition to being overweight, Xiaojie's uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were also above the standard, which made Xiaojie's parents very worried. They came to the special clinic for adolescents headed by Zhang Yingwen, director of the Pediatrics Department of Lesheng Hospital. After re-examination, it was found that the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was excessive and there was moderate fatty liver.

Going to school during the day and taking tutoring classes at night, diet and exercise are unbalanced

During the consultation in the clinic, Xiaojie's parents mentioned that junior and high school students have to go to class and take tutoring classes every day, eat out for dinner, and mostly stay at home to play online games after class and on Sundays. When they are thirsty, they drink hand-shaken drinks instead of boiled water. After their weight has increased sharply, they get out of breath and their knees hurt when they run. Not only do they not exercise, but they also have little activity.

Director Chang Ying-wen said that the obesity rate among Taiwanese teenagers is high, with about one in three children and teenagers being overweight or obese. Xiaojie's situation is exactly the lifestyle of many teenagers in Taiwan today. Adolescent obesity not only affects the physical health of adolescents, but may also have a negative impact on their mental health and social adaptation.

After half a year of diet control and weight loss, the values ​​naturally returned to normal

Dr. Zhang Yingwen planned a complete diet and lifestyle prescription for Xiaojie, which included controlling diet, adjusting daily routine and increasing exercise. Six months later, Xiaojie's weight dropped to 68 kg, and the values ​​of various biochemical tests were getting closer and closer to normal. She further explained that in addition to reducing weight through exercise, it is also necessary to control diet (including appropriate calories and reducing fat intake, and adjusting the proportion of dietary intake) to effectively improve liver function index as long as it lasts for 3 to 12 months.

Long-term obesity should not be ignored. Doctors: Obesity is the culprit of disease

Dr. Zhang Yingwen pointed out that long-term obesity can cause harm to both the body and mind. Obesity is not only a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but also increases the risk of diabetes. Weight pressure can easily cause asthma, joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort. The impact on the gastrointestinal tract can easily lead to problems such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gallstones and gastroesophageal reflux.

Dr. Zhang Yingwen pointed out that long-term obesity can cause harm to both the body and mind. Obesity is not only a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but also increases the risk of diabetes. Weight pressure can easily cause asthma, joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort. The impact on the gastrointestinal tract can easily lead to problems such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gallstones and gastroesophageal reflux. (Photo provided by Ministry of Health and Welfare Lok Seng Hospital)

In addition, since adolescents are at a special stage of physical and mental development, emotional fluctuations such as stress, anxiety, and depression may lead to excessive eating; comparisons with peers and emphasis on appearance may also affect eating behavior. Among them, women are more obvious than men.

When it comes to weight loss for teenagers, balance is more important than numbers

According to the Taiwan Pediatric Association's 2019 "Guidelines for the Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents", the core goal of weight control in this age group is to help individuals and families establish good eating and living habits. Dr. Zhang Yingwen said that unless various healthy weight loss methods have been tried to no avail and complications of obesity such as high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and type 2 diabetes occur, drug treatment or even surgical intervention will be considered. Otherwise, diet and behavior adjustments will still be the main focus. Weight loss drug treatment needs to be evaluated and tracked by a professional physician, and combined with a healthy diet and exercise lifestyle to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the drug use.

Dr. Zhang Yingwen reminds us that there are multiple causes of obesity, so a comprehensive solution is essential. It is recommended that parents should accompany teenagers with obesity to see a doctor. Parents should also set an example themselves and establish healthy eating and exercise habits for the whole family. Only by persevering in this way can they successfully help children and adolescents stay away from the health hazards of obesity.