Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1017 Paradise Way, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA. Stanford University School of Medicine, 227 Ayrshire Farm Ln (Apt 203), Stanford, CA 94305, USA. Division of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lucille Packard Children's Hospital, M166 Alway Building, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. Electronic address: jsapratt@stanford.edu.

The Surgical clinics of North America. 2021;(2):199-212

Abstract

Childhood obesity can lead to comorbidities that cause significant decrease in health-related quality of life and early mortality. Recognition of obesity as a disease of polygenic etiology can help deter implicit bias. Current guidelines for treating severe obesity in children recommend referral to a multidisciplinary treatment center that offers metabolic and bariatric surgery at any age when a child develops a body mass index that is greater than 120% of the 95th percentile. Obesity medications and lifestyle counseling about diet and exercise are not adequate treatment for severe childhood obesity. Early referral can significantly improve quality and quantity of life.

Methodological quality

Publication Type : Review

Metadata