Obese Teens Engage in High-Risk Behaviors at Same Rate as Healthy Weight Peers

The study, “Risk-Taking Behaviors of Adolescents with Extreme Obesity: Normative or Not?” in the May 2011 issue of Pediatrics (published online April 25), utilized a nationally representative database (YRBSS) to assess rates of engagement in high-risk behaviors in 410 extremely obese high school students. Extreme obesity was defined as a body mass index greater than the 99^th percentile, and high-risk behaviors included tobacco use, alcohol/drug use, high-risk sexual behaviors and suicidal behaviors.

Most high school students with extreme obesity engage in high-risk behaviors at the same rate as healthy weight peers. Interestingly, there was some indication that when extremely obese teens do engage in these risky behaviors, they may do so in more dangerous ways. These include engaging in sexual activity while under the influence of drugs/alcohol or initiating cigarette smoking before age 13.

Study authors expressed concern that while obesity already increases the risks of developing chronic health problems, engaging in high-risk behaviors may compound these health risks.