Researchers used advanced computer programs to discover that children and teenagers with obesity aren’t all the same. By studying over 1,700 young people from Iran, they found that kids with weight problems fall into different groups based on their body measurements and how their bodies process food and energy. These groups change as kids get older—younger children had six different types, middle schoolers had seven types, and high schoolers had six types. This discovery could help doctors give each child the right treatment for their specific situation instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether children and teenagers with obesity actually have different types of weight and metabolism problems that need different treatments
  • Who participated: 1,763 young people from Iran aged 7-18 years old who were overweight or had metabolic syndrome (a condition where the body struggles to process food properly). The group was split into three age ranges: younger kids (7-10), middle schoolers (11-14), and high schoolers (15-18).
  • Key finding: Computer programs found that kids with obesity fall into 6-7 different groups depending on their age, with each group having different body measurements and metabolism patterns. The computer could correctly identify which group a child belonged to about 87% of the time.
  • What it means for you: If your child has weight concerns, doctors may eventually be able to figure out which specific type of obesity they have and recommend treatments that work best for that type. This is still research, so these findings aren’t being used in regular doctor’s offices yet, but they show promise for personalized treatment in the future.

The Research Details

Researchers looked at information collected from three large studies of Iranian school children done over 12 years (2003-2004, 2009-2010, and 2015). They used special computer programs called machine learning—basically smart computer systems that can find patterns in large amounts of data—to organize children with obesity into different groups based on their body measurements and blood test results that show how their bodies handle sugar and fat.

The computer programs looked at many different measurements at once, like height, weight, waist size, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Instead of just saying “this child is obese,” the programs found that children with obesity actually have different combinations of these measurements, creating distinct subgroups. The researchers tested how well these groupings worked by checking if the computer could correctly identify which group a new child belonged to.

This research matters because it shows that obesity in children isn’t just one simple problem. By finding different types of obesity, doctors could eventually give more targeted treatments. A child in one group might benefit most from exercise, while a child in another group might need different dietary changes. This personalized approach could be much more effective than treating all overweight children the same way.

The study used data from large, official school-based studies in Iran, which makes the information reliable. The computer programs were tested multiple times to make sure they gave consistent results. However, the accuracy of the groupings got lower in older teenagers (52% accuracy) compared to younger children (76% accuracy), suggesting the patterns are more complex as kids get older. The study only included children from Iran, so these specific groups might be different in other countries with different populations.

What the Results Show

The research found that children with obesity don’t fit into just one category. In younger children (ages 7-10), the computer identified six distinct groups with different combinations of weight, body measurements, and metabolism problems. In middle schoolers (ages 11-14), there were seven different groups. In high schoolers (ages 15-18), there were six groups, but the patterns were more complex because their bodies were still changing due to puberty.

Each group had its own unique pattern. For example, some children might have high blood pressure but normal cholesterol, while others might have the opposite. Some groups had more severe metabolism problems, while others had mainly weight-related issues. The computer was very good at recognizing these patterns—it could correctly identify which group a child belonged to about 87% of the time when tested on new children.

The groups also changed with age, which makes sense because children’s bodies change as they grow. What matters most for younger kids might be different from what matters for teenagers. This suggests that treatment approaches might need to change as children get older.

The study showed that the relationship between body measurements and metabolism problems becomes stronger and more complicated as children get older. In younger children, the groups were more clearly separated, but in teenagers, the patterns overlapped more. This suggests that as kids go through puberty, their bodies develop more complex metabolism issues. The computer programs were more reliable at grouping younger children than older teenagers, which tells us that the patterns are clearer in younger kids.

Most previous research on childhood obesity has treated all overweight children as one group or divided them into simple categories like “obese” or “severely obese.” This study goes further by showing there are actually multiple distinct subtypes within children who have obesity. This aligns with recent research in adults showing that obesity is not a single disease but rather multiple different conditions that just happen to result in extra weight. This study is one of the first to systematically identify these subtypes in children using advanced computer analysis.

The study only included children from Iran, so these specific groups might not be exactly the same in other countries with different populations and genetics. The computer’s ability to identify groups got weaker for older teenagers, suggesting the method works better for younger children. The study looked at information collected at different times (over 12 years), so some of the changes might be due to time passing rather than age differences. The research is based on school children, so it might not include children who don’t attend school or have very severe obesity. Finally, this study just identifies the groups—it doesn’t prove that treating each group differently would actually work better than current treatments.

The Bottom Line

This research is still in the early stages and isn’t ready for doctors to use in regular practice yet. However, it suggests that in the future, children with obesity might benefit from personalized treatment based on their specific subtype. For now, general recommendations for healthy weight in children still apply: regular physical activity, eating mostly whole foods, limiting sugary drinks, and getting enough sleep. Talk to your child’s doctor about what’s best for your specific situation. (Confidence level: This is promising research but needs more testing before changing how doctors treat children.)

This research is most relevant to parents of children with obesity or metabolic syndrome, pediatricians and doctors who treat overweight children, and researchers developing new obesity treatments. Children without weight problems don’t need to worry about these findings. This research is also important for public health officials planning programs to help children with obesity.

These findings are still being researched and tested. It will likely take several more years before doctors can routinely use this approach in their offices. If this method becomes available, benefits would depend on the specific treatment recommended for each subtype, but generally, personalized treatments often show results within 3-6 months if followed consistently.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly measurements including weight, waist circumference, and activity level. Also note any blood pressure readings or lab results from doctor visits. This data could help identify which subtype pattern your child might fit into and track whether interventions are working.
  • Use the app to set age-appropriate goals based on your child’s specific needs. For example, if your child’s subtype shows high blood pressure concerns, focus on reducing salty foods and increasing activity. If metabolism is the main issue, track sugar intake and meal timing. The app could provide personalized suggestions rather than generic obesity advice.
  • Check progress monthly by comparing measurements and activity levels. Update the app with any new lab results from doctor visits. Over time, the app could show whether the personalized approach is working better than general weight loss advice. Share this data with your child’s doctor to adjust the plan if needed.

This research describes a new scientific method for understanding different types of obesity in children but is not yet ready for clinical use. These findings should not be used to diagnose or treat your child’s weight or health condition. Always consult with your child’s pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to diet, exercise, or medical treatment. This study was conducted in Iran and may not apply to all populations. The computer groupings identified in this research are for research purposes only and are not approved medical classifications. If you’re concerned about your child’s weight or metabolism, speak with your doctor about evidence-based treatment options that are currently available.