To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in adolescents and young adults aged 10–25 years.
Approach:
Study Population: Retrospective study at Metamor Institute and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, involving patients aged 10–25 years who underwent bariatric procedures from January 2020 to March 2025.
Surgical Procedures: Individualized procedure selection based on risk-benefit assessment, with preoperative evaluations by a multidisciplinary team.
Data Collection: Preoperative data on demographics and comorbidities collected from MBSAQIP database; postoperative outcomes including weight loss and comorbidity resolution tracked at 1, 2, and 3–5 years.
Key Findings:
Obesity prevalence among adolescents aged 12–19 has reached 23%, with severe obesity increasing from 6.1% to 8.9% from 2017 to 2023.
MBS is underutilized among adolescents, with an increase in cases from 800 in 2018 to almost 1400 in 2021.
MBS offers morbidity and mortality outcomes comparable to adults, supported by AAP and ASMBS guidelines.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the increasing need for effective interventions like MBS in addressing adolescent obesity and its associated health risks.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may limit the ability to establish causality.
Single-center study may affect the generalizability of results.
Conclusion:
MBS is a safe and effective intervention for adolescents and young adults with severe obesity.
by Zubaidah Nor Hanipah, Laura M. Boyer, Katie E. Queen, Amanda E. Staiano, Kimberly L. Drews, Vance L. Albaugh, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Philip R. Schauer
