Feasibility of a Dual Evaluation/Intervention Program for Morbidly Obese Adolescents

In the absence of evidence-based guidelines for screening adolescent candidates for bariatric surgery, or improving their adherence to preoperative recommendations, we designed a dual-phase multidisciplinary program aiming for observation-based preoperative assessment/ intervention, as well as for post-operative/ conservative follow up.

This study focused on the preoperative 3-month phase. Fifteen morbidly obese adolescents attending the eating disorders unit of a pediatric hospital underwent the program protocol consisting of medical examinations/ tests, psychological measures, self-monitoring, tailored diet, physical activity schedule, individual and group cognitive behavior-oriented therapy, and psycho educational parent training.

All patients completed the preoperative phase. Most of them (70%) followed the structured diet with a significant reduction in BMI. The patients complied with self-monitoring, and body dissatisfaction score improved. Parental participation in therapy was poor. Four patients with low adherence were found ineligible for surgery.

The findings support the feasibility of our dual screening/intervention protocol. Measures to improve parental participation are warranted.