RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Health profiles of overweight and obese youth attending general practice JF Archives of Disease in Childhood JO Arch Dis Child FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health SP 434 OP 439 DO 10.1136/archdischild-2016-311404 VO 102 IS 5 A1 Paulis, Winifred D A1 Palmer, Millicent A1 Chondros, Patty A1 Kauer, Sylvia A1 van Middelkoop, Marienke A1 Sanci, Lena A YR 2017 UL http://adc.bmj.com/content/102/5/434.abstract AB Background Literature suggests that overweight and obese young people use healthcare services more often, but this awaits confirmation in primary care.Objective To identify health profiles of underweight, overweight and obese young people attending general practice and compare them to normal-weight youth and also to explore the weight-related health risks of eating and exercise behaviour in the four different weight categories.Methods This study used a cross-sectional design with baseline data from a trial including 683 young people (14–24 years of age) presenting to general practice. Through computer-assisted telephone interviews data were obtained on number and type of health complaints and consultations, emotional distress, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and eating and exercise behaviour.Results General practitioners (GPs) were consulted more often by overweight (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.28, 95% CI (1.04 to 1.57)) and obese youth (IRR: 1.54, 95% CI (1.21 to 1.97), but not for different health problems compared with normal-weight youth. The reason for presentation was seldom a weight issue. Obese youth reported lower physical HRQoL. Obese and underweight youth were less likely to be satisfied with their eating behaviour than their normal-weight peers. Exercise levels were low in the entire cohort.Conclusions Our study highlights the need for effective weight management given that overweight and obese youth consult their GP more often. Since young people do not present with weight issues, it becomes important for GPs to find ways to initiate the discussion about weight, healthy eating and exercise with youth.Trial registration number ISRCTN16059206.