Parents and Caregivers of Black Adolescents
Remember:
You and your child are not alone in facing the challenges that their obesity may present for them and the family unit.
Your child will need support from a healthcare team.
Medical - Physicians, Physican Assitants, Nurse Practioners, Nurses
These medical providers help monitor overall health and growth.
- They may check weight trends, blood pressure, bloodwork/labs, sleep, and energy levels.
- Nurses may provide education, encouragement, and follow-up support during and between visits.
The care team should listen, respect lived experiences, and avoid judgment or stigma.
Mental & Behavioral Health Clinicians
Mental and behavioral health providers support emotional well-being.
- They may help the adolescent process stress, body image concerns, or experiences with bias or bullying.
- Sessions can include talk therapy, coping skills, or family support when helpful.
These providers help strengthen confidence, self-esteem, and motivation.
Mental health care is an important part of whole-person obesity treatment.
Nutrition - Registered Dieticians/Nutritionists
Dietitians support nutrition in a realistic and culturally affirming way.
- They may talk with the adolescent about favorite foods, family meals, and cultural traditions.
- Sessions often focus on balance, nourishment, and energy — not restriction or dieting.
The adolescent may work with the dietitian to set goals that fit her lifestyle, school schedule, and household routines.
The goal is building a healthy relationship with food.
Physical - Occupational & Physical Therapists
Physical and occupational therapists support movement and daily functioning.
- They help the adolescent find enjoyable, safe ways to move her body.
- Sessions may focus on strength, flexibility, stamina, or reducing pain and discomfort.
Therapists work at the adolescent’s pace and respect her abilities and goals.
Movement is framed as empowerment and well-being, not punishment.
Research shows that obese Black women's health is at risk due to social, financial, and environmental disadvantages that present as these girls navigate their adolescence into adulthood while obese.
Obesity Risks
Are there any other health risks with being overweight or obese?
Many youth who are overweight or have obesity may experience weight-related teasing or bullying, which can affect their mental health.
For many adolescents, the emotional toll of being labeled “obese” during a vulnerable stage of identity development can be long-lasting.
Click the link below to learn more about how to find mental health support in your area.
Meet an adolescent medicine expert and learn more about how to work with one.
Expert Corner: Adolescent Medicine
- Meet an adolescent medicine specialist and physician, Dr. Benstianov.
Adolescent Medicine specialists are physicians with specialized training in caring for teens and young adults, focusing on physical health, mental well-being, and social development during adolescence.
They take a whole-person approach, recognizing that health is shaped by biology, identity, family, culture, and environment .
Expert Corner: Common Challenges
Take a look at this video where Adolescent Medicine Specialist, Dr. Sari Bentisanov, a physician at Rutgers Medical School, discusses the common challenges that adolescents as a whole generally face in navigating and managing their obesity.
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