Nearly 1 in 5 teens in the United States is obese, putting their long-term health at serious risk. Obesity in adolescence leads to many deleterious medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and mental health struggles with low self-esteem and depression. Understanding patterns of obesity and weight-loss efforts in U.S. adolescents is critical for shaping effective clinical and public health interventions. Yet, data remain sparse on whether and how adolescents attempt to lose weight.