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Adolescent obesity and bariatric surgery
Lynne L Levitsky1, Madhusmita Misra, Paul A Boepple
1Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. LLevitsky@partners.org
Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity
|December 24, 2008
Summary
Bariatric surgery shows promise for adolescent obesity, offering substantial metabolic benefits similar to adults. However, careful consideration of potential risks like weight regain and noncompliance is crucial for long-term success.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Surgical Obesity Management
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Morbid obesity in adolescents presents significant acute and chronic health complications.
- Current understanding of bariatric surgery's long-term effects in adolescents is evolving.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of bariatric surgery on adolescent obesity.
- To compare risks and outcomes in adolescents versus adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on bariatric surgery in adolescents.
- Analysis of reported risks, outcomes, and metabolic benefits.
Main Results:
- Adolescents may face higher risks of post-surgical weight regain and noncompliance compared to adults.
- Metabolic benefits, including improved insulin resistance, appear substantial and comparable to adult outcomes.
- Long-term outcome data for adolescent bariatric surgery is still limited.
Conclusions:
- Bariatric surgery is generally well-tolerated in adolescents when performed in experienced centers.
- Profound pathophysiologic changes underscore the impact of surgery on metabolic health.
- Further research into surgical mechanisms could yield less invasive therapies for adolescent obesity.
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