In Teens with Severe Obesity, Can Bariatric Surgery Wait until Adulthood?

Conventionally, physiological and psychological differences between children and adults have directed their clinical care pathways, including treatment strategies, physician specialties, and health care facilities. One exception that has occurred gradually over the past few decades relates to the prevention and treatment of obesity. Striking similarities in obesity among adults, children, and adolescents have emerged — specifically, the increasing prevalence of obesity, multiple obesity-related coexisting conditions (medical, social, and psychological), and evolving methods of treatment.1-3 In addition, most adolescents who are obese remain obese as adults,4 and adults with obesity who were obese as adolescents have worse medical outcomes than persons . . .