8th Annual Association for Bariatric Endoscopy (ABE) Meeting: Practical Approaches to Treating Obesity and Related Comorbidities| May 2023-Adolescence Obesity: What Do We Do for the Youth?

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The document discusses the growing dilemma of bariatric surgery in adolescent patients. It begins by highlighting the increase in childhood obesity rates and the associated health risks, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease. Psychosocial consequences, including higher rates of depression and ADHD, are also mentioned. The document emphasizes that lifestyle modifications and behavioral therapies often have limited success in treating childhood obesity.<br /><br />The history of adolescent bariatric surgeries is explored, noting a five-fold increase in procedures from 1997 to 2003. The criteria for patient selection are outlined, including BMI classifications and physical maturity. Controversies and concerns surrounding surgery in adolescents are discussed, such as immediate risk, long-term complications, nutrition, growth, and development, compliance, efficacy, and ethical concerns.<br /><br />The document presents research findings on the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in adolescents, including one study that showed better improvement in hypertension, insulin sensitivity, and dyslipidemia compared to a lifestyle program. Weight loss outcomes and remission rates of comorbidities are discussed, along with the potential complications of the surgery.<br /><br />The establishment of an adolescent bariatric surgery program is also covered, outlining the necessary personnel, governance structure, and components such as standardized clinical pathways and ongoing follow-up. The data presented shows a small percentage of adolescent cases in total bariatric surgery cases.<br /><br />The document ends by posing several remaining questions, including the long-term outcomes of adolescent patients, the appropriate age for surgery, the use of newer surgical and endoscopic procedures, and the potential use of foreign bodies in treatment.<br /><br />Overall, the document provides an overview of the current state of bariatric surgery in adolescent patients, highlighting the growing concerns, outcomes, and areas of research and discussion.

Asset Subtitle

Aurora Pryor, MD

Keywords

bariatric surgery

adolescent patients

childhood obesity rates

health risks

psychosocial consequences

patient selection

long-term complications

weight loss outcomes

comorbidities

research