Can Weight Loss Surgery Help Extremely Obese Teens?
Obesity in teenagers is becoming a rapidly growing problem in the United States. Just like their adult counterparts, teens who are obese face a long list of potential health complications. This is compounded by the fact that teens’ bodies are still growing, hormones are raging and social stigmas that might make adults cringe tend to be even more amplified at this age. Considering all the potential ramifications of obesity on younger people, it’s not uncommon for families to seek out safe, healthy ways for their teens to address obesity head on. Research is showing that weight loss procedures can help teenagers address serious obesity, but it’s important for parents and teens to understand the option isn’t a panacea. A number of studies have found that teens who lose weight using procedures like the gastric bypass can and do shed a tremendous amount of their excess body fat. Other studies have found that procedures can have long term benefits while also helping teens lower their risks ...