Adipose tissue shifts drastically during infancy and puberty, which are the two critical periods of adipose tissue development. Both periods have rapid increases in fat, which are essential in meeting the demands of the growing body. As adipose tissue undergoes substantial changes in these periods, these periods are important in determining the long-term health of an individual. This is because excess accumulation of fat in both these periods tracks well into adulthood. Also, if youth begin their adiposity rebound early, it is associated with a greater risk of excess fat (obesity) later down the road, showcasing once again the importance of monitoring adiposity during these periods. 

Youth Trends

• “Canadian children have more fat at the same BMI (body mass index)” (Barbour-Tuck, 2026)

• Adiposity rebound occurs around ages 4–8

• Adiposity is increasing even when BMI stays stable

Evidence: Through research and studies, it was found that body composition, specifically fat distribution, is worsening, even though body weight (and BMI) remained the same (Lee et al., 2021). 

Why Weight Alone Fails

• BMI does not reflect fat distribution

• Skinfolds show increasing fat even when body weight is stable

Evidence: Assessing adiposity distribution is a better predictor of cardiometabolic risk compared to looking at body weight or BMI, as it does not consider body composition (Lavie et al., 2019).

Tracking Into Adulthood

• Overweight/obesity in childhood → continues into adulthood (tracks well)

Leads to:

• Increased disease risk

• Long-term health complications (mental and physical health)

Mental & Physical Health (Current Events)

• Increased adiposity (extra weight during teenage years is increasing and is) linked to:

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Sleep problems

Also:

• Lower confidence

• Increased risk of low self-esteem and/or sadness

👉 In addition to the increase in weight during teenage years, fewer teens are attempting to lose weight, further contributing to health issues.

Decrease in attempting to lose weight = 47.7% in 2013, and now 44.5% in 2023 (Earth.com, 2023).

Why this Matters Today?

Modern Lifestyle Impact

The modern lifestyle has created a space in which the accumulation of excess adiposity in youth is ordinary. Readily available, highly processed food, a lack of physical activity and increased screen time heavily contribute to the rising rates of adiposity in youth and adolescence.