Rise in Child and Teen Weight-loss Surgeries, Study Reveals

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald May 31, 12:42 pm

Photo: (Photo : JEAN-SEBASTIEN EVRARD/AFP via Getty Images)

A recent study piece talks about how weight-loss procedures are becoming more and more popular as a form of therapy. It also paints a worrying picture of how the number of obese children and teens in the United States is rising. According to data released Tuesday in JAMA Pediatrics, the number of metabolic and bariatric treatments done on children and teens between the ages of 10 and 19 has risen dramatically since 2016.

Youth Obesity Crisis: CDC Highlights the Seriousness of the Issue

As a result of the COVID-19 spread, adults used weight-loss methods less, but young people did the exact opposite. Between 2020 and 2021, there was a big rise of 19% in the number of weight-loss surgeries done on young people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that youth obesity is a "serious problem" in the United States. It affects up to 15 million children and teens, or about 1 in 5 of the population.

According to Daily Mail, the number of people who are severely obese is frighteningly high. This is shown by a body mass index (BMI) that is at least 20% higher than the obesity standard. The stomach and intestines are changed during metabolic and gastric treatments. This changes how the body takes in food.

Therefore, following these methods, people usually report feeling fuller and less hungry, which changes how much food they consume. Despite the benefits of these weight-loss treatments, the authors of the study note that issues like low pediatrician referral rates and insufficient insurance coverage have historically limited their use. Despite data showing that the operations are a workable and secure choice for treating pediatric obesity, his utilization was limited.

However, a significant policy change occurred earlier this year when the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its obesity treatment guidelines after 15 years. According to Wall Street Journal, the new guidelines encourage prompt use of behavior therapy and lifestyle changes. Additionally, for the first time, the recommendations support the use of surgery and drugs for some young people, with a focus on adolescents who are very obese.

Long-Term Impact: Cardiometabolic Disease Risks from Childhood to Adulthood

According to CNN, this data suggests that teenagers and their families are becoming more receptive to the idea of surgery as a treatment option, especially when they are given access and are deemed to be good candidates, according to Sarah Messiah, Professor and Pediatric Obesity Researcher at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and co-author of the study. Messiah goes on to explain, "Many studies show that cardiometabolic disease risk factors track strongly from childhood into adulthood". In order to enable a better transition from adolescence to adulthood, surgery is a useful treatment.

The study also shows that different demographic groups have differing rates of childhood obesity, with black and Hispanic adolescents being severely afflicted, according to the CDC. In fact, the study finds that between 2020 and 2021, the increase in weight-loss surgery among these demographics was 42% among black youth and 53% among Hispanic youth, which was more than double the average growth.

The rising statistics highlight the requirement for immediate action to address pediatric obesity and guarantee that all required therapies, including surgical operations, are available and reimbursed by insurance. The study's conclusions highlight the value of early identification and intervention, extensive insurance coverage, and continuous assistance for families dealing with childhood obesity. It is believed that a multifaceted strategy can help turn the tide of childhood obesity and enhance the health of youngsters across the country.