Which clinical sign suggests obesity-related comorbidities in youth?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hair color change
• C. Hearing loss
• D. Visual acuity improvement

Answer: (A)

Elevated blood pressure in youth with obesity signals obesity-related comorbidities. Excess body fat, especially visceral fat, can raise vascular resistance and activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to higher blood pressure. Sodium retention by the kidneys and early atherosclerotic changes also contribute, so hypertension serves as a clinical sign that obesity is affecting cardiovascular and metabolic health in a young person. Other options like hair color change, hearing loss, or improved visual acuity aren’t typical indicators of obesity-linked health issues in children and would point to different, unrelated problems.