‘This Really Changes The Game:’ Teens Benefit As Much Or More Than Adults From Obesity Surgery
A new study finds that gastric bypass surgery works as well in teenagers as it does in adults: diabetes went into remission for 86% of teens and 53% of adults after the operations, while high blood pressure went down for 68% of teens and 41% of adults. Though 6 million American adolescents are candidates for surgery few get it, in part due to a lack of information on efficacy.
The New York Times:
A Daunting Operation Offers Relief To Obese Teenagers
At least six million obese teenagers in the United States are candidates for weight-loss surgery, experts estimate. Fewer than 1,000 of them get it each year. Many of these adolescents already have complications of obesity, like diabetes or high blood pressure. But doctors have been uncertain just how well surgery works for young patients, and whether they can handle the consequences, including a severely restricted diet. (Kolata, 5/16)
The Associated Press:
Obesity Surgery Benefits May Be Bigger For Teens Than Adults
Teens who have obesity surgery lose as much weight as those who have the operation as adults and are more likely to have it resolve other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure, a study finds. The results suggest there's a benefit from not waiting to address obesity. Researchers say longer study is still needed to know lifetime effects of this radical surgery and that it's a personal decision whether and when to try it. (Marchione, 5/16)
