Phd in ENDOCRINOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Thesis title: L'eccesso di peso nel mondo dell'adolescenza: numeri, percezioni e approcci terapeutici al lato nascosto di questa patologia

Background: Pediatric obesity is often perceived as a temporary aesthetic concern; however, it is a chronic disease with significant clinical impact, associated from an early age with cardiometabolic, psychological, and social complications. Despite increasing recognition of obesity as a disease, many barriers continue to affect effective management in both clinical and social settings. Objective: To analyze the main challenges, perceptions, and attitudes related to the management and treatment of adolescent obesity among adolescents living with obesity, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs), with particular focus on the Italian data from the ACTION Teens study and their implications for clinical practice. Results: The ACTION Teens study highlighted a significant misalignment among adolescents living with obesity, caregivers, and HCPs regarding disease perception, its consequences, and therapeutic strategies. Many adolescents and parents do not fully recognize obesity as a chronic disease and tend to attribute responsibility for weight loss solely to the adolescent. Differences also emerged in motivations for weight loss and perceived barriers, with adolescents identifying difficulties in controlling hunger and satiety as a major challenge. At the same time, important gaps persist in HCP training, timely communication about weight management, and the use of structured therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, the digital environment has become a primary source of health information for young people, while also exposing them to potentially inaccurate, non-evidence-based, and harmful content. Conclusions: Effective management of adolescent obesity requires a multidisciplinary, person-centered, and stigma-free approach that actively involves adolescents, families, healthcare professionals, institutions, and communities. Improving HCP education, promoting empathetic communication, and increasing awareness of obesity as a chronic disease are essential to facilitate early access to evidence-based treatment pathways and improve long-term health outcomes.