Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

The My Overweight Child blog will help you keep informed about the latest research, findings, and resources available to parents of overweight or obese kids. There are many knowledgeable people working on the increasingly dire problem of childhood obesity - and we want to give parents a place where they can check in regularly to see the latest studies and tips available to help you help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Experts Advise Caution When Considering Gastric Band Surgery for Teens

The continued growth of American teenage waistlines has both parents and professionals willing to consider every possible option for healthy teen weight loss. One option that has been successful with adults, but isn’t yet approved for teens, is gastric band surgery. But some worry that the risks are greater than the benefits.

The company [Allergan] has an application in with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking approval to market the device to teens as young as 14. A decision could come any time. Winning regulatory approval for the gastric band in teenagers would allow companies that make the devices – Allergan, Johnson & Johnson and others – to target that specific age group.

Today, regulators consider performing the procedure on the teens ‘experimental’ [Source: Reuters]

Teens can still undergo gastric band surgery, with written consent from a doctor, but if the FDA approves Allergan’s request, the surgery will be available to teens with or without physician approval.

Labels: gastric band, teenagers, surgeries

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton

Comments:

Kensington on 8/9/2010
Such a drastic option for such young people. The reasons WHY a person, including teenagers, overeats have to be addressed. Studies show over and over that slower, supervised weight loss is more beneficial and long-lasting than trying something drastic like weight-loss surgery, especially if it's expected to fix everything and nothing else needs to be addressed.