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Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe For Kids?
Obesity in kids and teens is a global epidemic gradually on the rise. It brings with it a plethora of lifelong problems - both physical and emotional.
These include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing trouble, sleeping disorders and degenerative joint disorders.
On the psychological side, teens tend to have lower self-esteem and can develop depression, anxiety and neurotic disorders. Studies show that the majority of children and teens who are obese remain obese as adults.
Weight-loss surgery is an option for some severely obese teens who have been unable to shed weight using conservative weight-loss methods.
But how safe and effective is this method is questionable? As with any type of surgery, there are potential risks and complications. The long-term effects of weight-loss surgery on a child's future physical development are also not clear.
Weight-loss surgery in kids is still not very popular and recommended. It may be advised if the kid's weight poses a greater health threat than the potential risks of surgery. It is very important that the child being considered for weight-loss surgery meet a team of pediatric specialists, including a pediatric endocrinologist to understand the pros/cons.
Who are recommended for this surgery?
- Teenagers between the age of 14-18 who have been obese for more than five years and have not been able to lose 20 percent of their weight through diet and exercise in six months, may be advised surgery (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding).
- His BMI should be greater than or equal to 35 percent with associated co-morbidities (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, weight-related orthopaedic problems).
The positive aspect is that it is minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible.
Lets check out the cons
- Weight-loss surgery isn't the absolute answer for weight loss. There is no guarantee that your kid will lose all excess weight or that he will keep off the weight in the long run.
- Weight loss surgery alone will not suffice. It doesn't replace the need for a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
- Bypass surgery at times mutilates a key organ such as the stomach, and complicates the digestive system.
- Surgery can also lead to mal-absorption, which deprives the body of essential nutrients which can lead to teenage osteoporosis and immunity-related diseases.
- Other accompanying complications can be painful gastrointestinal, leakage of gastric juices into the chest cavity, erosion of teeth enamel caused by repeated vomiting, flatulence, uncomfortable bowel movements.
- The surgical procedure itself can be very risky and challenging if the kid has other complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure and joint problems which is very likely in obese kids.
According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, weight loss surgery has a 40% complication rate, a 50% weight regain rate.
The International Size Acceptance Association (ISAA) discourages the practice of performing weight loss surgery on teen and pre-teens. It advises kids to become involved in physical activities such as sports while reducing time spent in front of television and computer. It also suggests reducing family intake of fast foods in favour of healthier food.
Surgery might not be the best answer, it may not be absolutely safe, but if you are going for it, be sure to complement it with exercise and diet control so that the process might not have to be repeated.