Teens and Obesity: Is Surgery the Right Call?
It is estimated that nearly a third of American children are considered obese. Just under 10 percent of kids ages 12 to 19 are described as morbidly or extremely obese by their healthcare providers. With Body Mass Indexes of 40 or higher, these youngsters are at very high risk for developing serious medical complications generally associated with adults much earlier in life. Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and high cholesterol may all be dangers for the very young who are considered severely overweight. In addition, life expectancy for obese youth tends to be much lower as a result of those potential complications. Children with BMIs of 55 to 60, for example, may see their life expectancies fall by 13 years or more.
As the obesity epidemic continues in America, more families are turning to weight loss surgery to assist their children in shedding pounds and keeping them off. Some procedures are available to assist teens in getting and keeping their weight in check. When exploring this option, it is important for children and their families to consider these things:
• The severity of obesity – Bariatric surgeons reserve procedures such as the gastric bypass for people who are considered morbidly obese. If a child’s concerns with weight don’t fall into a high BMI category, surgery is not going to be the right option.
• Whether other weight loss methods have been tried – It is generally recommended that families work closely with their child’s doctors to incorporate healthy diets and exercise into routines before surgery is considered.
• Willingness to commit – Surgical procedures such as the sleeve gastrectomy and bypass will demand major modifications to lifestyle to support weight loss, long-term maintenance and preservation of health. That means children and their families need to be fully committed to making change and have the desire and drive to stick with it after surgery.
As the dangers of obesity become more evident, bariatric surgery is becoming a more acceptable way for teens to address weight-related concerns. These procedures can make a tremendous difference, but it is important for families to understand all the potential pros and cons before moving forward. If childhood obesity is a concern, parents and children should work closely with their healthcare providers. Should bariatric surgery be a recommended option, consulting directly with a licensed surgeon can help families make the best, most informed decisions in their cases.
As the obesity epidemic continues in America, more families are turning to weight loss surgery to assist their children in shedding pounds and keeping them off. Some procedures are available to assist teens in getting and keeping their weight in check. When exploring this option, it is important for children and their families to consider these things:
• The severity of obesity – Bariatric surgeons reserve procedures such as the gastric bypass for people who are considered morbidly obese. If a child’s concerns with weight don’t fall into a high BMI category, surgery is not going to be the right option.
• Whether other weight loss methods have been tried – It is generally recommended that families work closely with their child’s doctors to incorporate healthy diets and exercise into routines before surgery is considered.
• Willingness to commit – Surgical procedures such as the sleeve gastrectomy and bypass will demand major modifications to lifestyle to support weight loss, long-term maintenance and preservation of health. That means children and their families need to be fully committed to making change and have the desire and drive to stick with it after surgery.
As the dangers of obesity become more evident, bariatric surgery is becoming a more acceptable way for teens to address weight-related concerns. These procedures can make a tremendous difference, but it is important for families to understand all the potential pros and cons before moving forward. If childhood obesity is a concern, parents and children should work closely with their healthcare providers. Should bariatric surgery be a recommended option, consulting directly with a licensed surgeon can help families make the best, most informed decisions in their cases.
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