Care of the overweight adolescent including polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Obstetrician-gynecologists are responsible for promoting healthy eating and physical activity in adolescents during annual screening examinations. Adolescents with a body mass index for age greater than or equal to the 95th percentile should undergo an in-depth health assessment to determine psychosocial morbidity and risk of cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to determine the most efficacious approach to the prevention and treatment of obesity in adolescents. For now, it is best to extrapolate an approach from data pertaining to children and adults, while being cognizant of the special psychosocial and physical needs of adolescents.