WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Obesity is a growing concern for Mexican-American adolescents, with both behavioral and cultural variables that are related to the increasing trend. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:These results highlight a patientcentered view of the emotional and physical burden of obesity in female Mexican-American adolescents, the families' personal struggles with weight-related conditions, and the challenge of balancing family needs with those specific to the adolescent. abstract OBJECTIVE: In an effort to develop more effective weight-loss interventions, this study examined the daily experiences and personal struggles of Mexican-American adolescent females with morbid obesity.METHODS: Twenty self-identified, morbidly obese Mexican-American adolescent females and their families were interviewed about their food choices, personal and family barriers to weight loss, sources of support, previous weight-loss experience, and weight-related beliefs. Qualitative responses were coded by using framework analysis. RESULTS:Four themes emerged from the adolescent and family responses: the impact of normal adolescent development, multiple sources of excess calories, the physical and emotional burden of excess weight for the adolescent, and the magnitude of the family' s personal struggle with weight management. Multiple subthemes were also identified. CONCLUSIONS:Responses by the adolescents and their families highlighted the intersection of adolescence and Mexican-American culture and the daily challenges of obesity. Recommendations for providers include incorporating knowledge of adolescent development and culturally sensitive care into treatment recommendations. Pediatrics

WC within BMI categories may identify those who have cardiometabolic disease risk factors despite having normal or overweight BMI.

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Adolescents with obesity are not immune to developing disordered eating and eating disorders. They most commonly present with atypical or subthreshold criterion due to excess body weight or questions regarding the presence of a distorted body image. Patients with premorbid overweight/obesity and subsequent achievement of weight loss may lead to delays in the recognition and treatment of disordered eating and eating disorders. In fact, disordered eating and eating disorders tend to be higher in those undergoing weight management. This article describes risk factors for the development of eating disorders, common features of eating disorders in adolescents with obesity, and provides recommendations for prevention strategies. [Pediatr Ann. 2018;47(6):e232-e237.].