Weight-loss surgery for obese teens?
Bariatric surgery is an approach to treat obesity, but is it appropriate for obese teens? Dr. Judy Chen, an UW Medicine bariatric surgeon, explains that many factors are worth considering to determine whether a person is a good candidate. One thought: Surgery as an early intervention can prevent the emergence of other issues that result from obesity, such as joint problems.
"I think it’s a different way to look at obesity," Dr. Chen says. "It’s no longer cosmetic. It’s no longer one treatment should fit all. It should be looked at as a multimodal lifestyle change."