A new clinic has opened in the USA, which has caused controversy by running a gastric surgery program designed specifically to treat obese teenagers.

Whilst many doctors would refuse to perform the bariatric surgical procedure on patients so young, Dr. Michael A. Snyder, surgeon and director of The Rose Medical Centre, defends the program.

"Being a teen with bariatric surgery is very difficult," he says. "Being a morbidly obese teen is a total nightmare."



It has been well documented over the past few years that the rise in childhood obesity is causing serious damage to the health of under 18-year-olds.

In the UK around 27% of children are now overweight.

As well as the stigma and emotional impact of obesity in young people there are also the very real dangers of developing other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, high blood pressure and some types of cancer.

The rise in incidences of obesity in the young has been blamed on poor diet and lack of exercise, and health experts support lifestyle improvements as the best way to tackle obesity.

However, for many traditional weight-loss programs don't work and the Rose Medical Center lists previous failed attempts to diet as one of its criteria before accepting teenagers for surgery.

Dr Snyder insists that he only operates on kids who "are ready for a life-long commitment". He adds that the decision to undergo the treatment requires the same level of consideration as getting married.

Kids who have the procedure are fitted with a band across the stomach which is gradually tightened to limit the stomach's capacity to 10-20% of its original size.

The surgery costs around $9,500 dollars but can be dramatically effective, in some cases reversing the patient's Type 2 diabetes.

Many doctors find resorting to life-changing surgery on young patients is too drastic and unnecessary.

Dr. Wendy Scinta, a pediatric bariatrician who runs a medical weight loss clinic for children and teens, says she is "disgusted" by the trend of operating on young patients adding ,"In children, it's still considered experimental."

Do you think surgery on teens an acceptable way to treat obesity, or are they too young to commit to such a major procedure? Is gastric surgery even necessary or should diet and exercise be the only way to achieve weight-loss?


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