To explore the current attitudes of Dutch pediatricians, parents, and adolescents regarding bariatric surgery for youth with severe obesity, highlighting the significance of addressing rising obesity rates.
Key Findings:
Only 12% of pediatricians responded to the survey, indicating potential reluctance to engage with the topic.
A significant portion of pediatricians expressed hesitance to refer youth for bariatric surgery, citing concerns about underlying psychological issues.
Parents and adolescents showed varying levels of support for bariatric surgery, influenced by their beliefs about the causes of obesity, with specific percentages to be included.
Interpretation:
The divided opinions among pediatricians, parents, and adolescents highlight the complexity of addressing severe obesity in youth and the cautious stance towards bariatric surgery as a treatment option, suggesting a need for more comprehensive discussions.
Limitations:
Low response rate from pediatricians may not represent the broader medical community's views.
The survey's reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias.
Potential bias from self-selection of survey participants.
Conclusion:
The study underscores the need for further research and dialogue among stakeholders regarding the role of bariatric surgery in treating severe obesity in youth, particularly in exploring specific areas for future investigation.
by Kelly G. H. van de Pas, Daniëlle S. Bonouvrie, Loes Janssen, Yvonne G. M. Roebroek, Bas S. H. J. Zegers, Wouter K. G. Leclercq, Anita C. E. Vreugdenhil, François M. H. van Dielen
