Weight Loss Surgery In Adolescents Research Articles

Criteria for Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents

The Pediatric Bariatric Study Group (PBSG) recommends stricter criteria for weight-loss surgery in adolescents than the standard National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus criteria for bariatric surgery in adults. To examine whether stricter criteria are necessary, investigators examined morbidity and functional impairment in 134 adolescents (age range, 13–17 years) who met NIH criteria (body-mass index [BMI] ≥40 kg/m2 or BMI >35 and at least 1 of 11 …

Adolescent Weight Loss Surgery: Current Issues

A global childhood obesity epidemic is now affecting boys and girls of all racial and ethnic groups. Increasingly, adolescents are seeking effective weight loss options and are also increasingly undergoing bariatric procedures. Here, we briefly review various facets of the childhood obesity problem and explore the option of bariatric surgery for adolescents, highlighting specific issues related to surgery in these younger age groups. Specifically, we will discuss current information relevant to treatment options and procedures, candidacy for surgery, access and insurance coverage, and adherence during the postoperative follow-up period. We also briefly describe an ongoing NIH-funded study, which was designed to examine some of these important topics.

Obesity in the united states: Is there a quick fix? Pros and cons of bariatric surgery from the pediatric perspective

Bariatric surgery has become a standard of care for the treatment of severely obese adults who meet National Institutes of Health criteria. Unfortunately, there is a need for weight loss surgery in adolescents. Criteria developed for adolescents are generally more restrictive than those for adults due to concerns about the ability of children to consent for life-altering surgery and the lack of long-term results. Several preliminary series have reported adolescent bariatric procedures with promising results. The two primary bariatric procedures performed on adolescents are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and adjustable gastric banding (AGB). Each procedure has its advantages and disadvantages. RYGB has the longest follow-up results and is considered the "gold standard." AGB has promising results, is reversible, and can be performed with less morbidity and mortality.