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 for serious complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
While the benefits of bariatric surgery have been well proven in regard to teenagers, parents are still urged to proceed with care. To ensure the best possible outcome, teens need to be committed to eating right and exercising after surgery. The need to maintain solid nutritional habits to support health and weight loss will become a lifelong concern following a procedure like the bypass that physically alters the body. If commitment levels are a concern, it might be best to speak with healthcare providers about nonsurgical options, such as the gastric balloon, first.
Teenagers who are obese face a number of potential complications, some of them life-limiting. With that in mind, it is strongly recommended that families work with their healthcare providers to address weight-related concerns. Bariatric surgery has been proven very effective in helping teens shed pounds, but it’s an option that should be entered into with eyes wide open.
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 for serious complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
While the benefits of bariatric surgery have been well proven in regard to teenagers, parents are still urged to proceed with care. To ensure the best possible outcome, teens need to be committed to eating right and exercising after surgery. The need to maintain solid nutritional habits to support health and weight loss will become a lifelong concern following a procedure like the bypass that physically alters the body. If commitment levels are a concern, it might be best to speak with healthcare providers about nonsurgical options, such as the gastric balloon, first.
Teenagers who are obese face a number of potential complications, some of them life-limiting. With that in mind, it is strongly recommended that families work with their healthcare providers to address weight-related concerns. Bariatric surgery has been proven very effective in helping teens shed pounds, but it’s an option that should be entered into with eyes wide open.
Comments
Post a Comment