Bariatric surgery in adolescents

Abstract

The obesity epidemic affects transversally the entire life cycle. Particularly in recent decades, an increase in severe obesity has been observed in adolescents. At this stage of life, characterized by deep physical and emotional changes, and great vulnerability, severe obesity has few effective treatment options. In adolescents, the treatment results focused on lifestyle modifications are poor and the pharmacological options are very limited and ineffective. Bariatric Surgery (BS) has emerged as a viable therapeutic option for a selected group of adolescents. The objective of this review is to update the current view regarding indications, contraindications, complications, and results of these procedures in the adolescent population.