Weight-loss surgery for morbidly obese adolescents has become more popular even though many questions about safety and effectiveness remain, according to a commentary published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Bariatric, surgery produces many benefits for most adult patients: they lose weight and can even have a complete reversal of diabetes. But less is known about the effects of the surgery on a young person who is just finished growing.
Several large and important studies are now underway to examine the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery on teens. Already, at least 1,000 teens a year are undergoing bariatric surgery in the USA despite the lack of long-term data on how the surgery affects them long-term. Until the data comes in from ongoing studies, doctors should tread cautiously in qualifying teens for surgery.
Source: http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-bariatric-surgery-teens-20111012,0,4705997.story
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