Obesity, prediabetes and diabetes in adolescents and women: evidence-based interventions

Abstract

Around the world, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes represents a grave scenario as the occurrence of obesity in adolescents has tripled and in the general population has doubled in the past 30 years. This signals a global crisis as obesity and diabetes surface as a widely rampant form of health concern for individuals worldwide that needs to be immediately addressed. Evidence has shown higher chances of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women who are overweight/obese. Simple interventions such as diet, physical activity and strict glycemic control can reduce adiposity in young girls and women. The evidence for beneficial effect of physical activity on gestational diabetes is also more convincing as it reduces the risk by 53%. Physical activity and diet for maintaining normal weight in women have been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes. Similarly, dietary counseling and glycemic monitoring in women with prediabetes and diabetes are also beneficial. Given that weight is a modifiable risk factor, public health campaigns should direct their focus on young and adolescent girls to make them aware of the importance of healthy eating, physical activity and maintaining normal weight for their own well-being as well as for the problems they could face during pregnancy.