Growing Obesity Issue

Over the years, obesity has slowly built its reputation as a growing problem in the US. That is affecting people of all ages and all walks of life. This includes adults, young adults and of course, children and preteens. And now, according to recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics; some preteens who suffer from severe obesity should be considered candidates for weight-loss surgery to help.

Released this Sunday, the health group's guidance is based on a review of recently received medical evidence. Stating that adolescents who have bariatric surgery have been able to lose weight for at least several years. Medical evidence also states that it has very few complications. That health problems related to obesity (such as diabetes and hypertension) can easily disappear after surgery.

Healthy but Obesity

While most of the research was done on evidence, that included juveniles. There was also one that did not include a child over the age of 12. This was found to have no ill effects on growth. Stating that if push is pushed, weight loss surgery is a good option for immediate results.

Duke University's pediatrician and lead author of the new policy, Drs. "Here's the safe and effective message," said Sarah Armstrong. "However, it is not a quick fix. It is a lifelong decision with implications every day for the rest of your life."

According to him, children do not know the life-long implications of surgery; but their age alone should not prevent them from doing so. If absolutely needed, only to improve their quality of life. However, Armstrong does not perform the surgery itself, but only works at the center that provides it.

Conclusion

According to recent statistics, approximately 5 million (or more) children and adolescents in the US suffer from severe obesity. A number that has more than doubled in the past two decades. Since of the severity, many of these children already have health problems. That are related, including liver disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, most of them do not perform surgery.

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