Bariatric surgery in the treatment of adolescent obesity: current perspectives in the United States

The challenges of assessing adiposity in a clinical setting

To tackle the burden of obesity-induced cardiometabolic disease, the scientific community relies on accurate and reproducible adiposity measurements in the clinic. These measurements guide our understanding of underlying biological mechanisms and clinical outcomes of human trials. However, measuring adiposity and adipose tissue distribution in a clinical setting can be challenging, and different measurement methods pose important limitations. BMI is a simple and high-throughput measurement, but it is associated relatively poorly with clinical outcomes when compared with waist-to-hip and sagittal abdominal diameter measurements. Body composition measurements by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry or MRI scans would be ideal due to their high accuracy, but are not high-throughput. Another important consideration is that adiposity measurements vary between men and women, between adults and children, and between people of different ethnic backgrounds. In this Perspective article, we discuss how these critical challenges can affect our interpretation of research data in the field of obesity and the design and implementation of clinical guidelines.

Prevalence of Adolescents Meeting Criteria for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) as a safe and effective treatment of severe obesity in children with class 3 obesity or with class 2 obesity and qualifying comorbidities. The study objective was to determine eligibility and characteristics of adolescents who qualify for MBS based on American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health record data of 603 051 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were used to define obesity classes 2 and 3. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with meeting MBS eligibility criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 603 041 adolescents evaluated, 22.2% had obesity (12.9% class 1, 5.4% class 2, and 3.9% class 3). The most frequently diagnosed comorbid conditions were gastroesophageal reflux disease (3.2%), hypertension (0.5%), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (0.5%). Among adolescents with class 2 obesity, 9.1% had 1 or more comorbidities qualifying for MBS, and 4.4% of all adolescents met the eligibility criteria for MBS. In multivariable modeling, males, Black and Hispanic adolescents, and those living in more deprived neighborhoods were more likely to meet MBS eligibility criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 1 in 23 adolescents met the eligibility criteria for MBS. Demographic and social determinants were associated with a higher risk for meeting these criteria. The study suggests that the health care system may face challenges in accommodating the demand for MBS among eligible adolescents.

Twitter and Communicating Stigma about Medications to Treat Obesity

In North America, stigma remains a significant barrier to treating obesity. Many candidates for medical weight management do not seek treatment, possibly related to anticipated and internalized stigma and weight bias. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity remains highly stigmatized, despite advances in drug development and medical weight management programs. People contemplating medical weight management are likely to see information about "diet pills" on social media sites, such as Twitter. However, Twitter has been found to contain false and stigmatizing information. This study examines a sample of 2170 Tweets to better understand the content through the lens of obesity stigma. Tweets were collected over a seven-day period containing general terms such as "diet pills," "weight loss pills," or "fat burner" using the Twitter advanced search option. The analysis revealed that almost 50% of Tweets containing "diet pills" contained stigmatizing language. The most common elements of stigma communication were taking personal blame for obesity and the perils associated with taking medications for weight loss. Further analysis revealed sub-themes such as profiting from social pressures to lose weight, distrust of physicians and the practice of obesity medicine, lack of efficacy of medications, and the use of social media to disseminate stigma. Most Tweets were from personal accounts followed by direct sales of weight loss supplements. The findings have potential implications for medically supervised weight management programs and may drive the need for more evidence-based social media messaging around obesity related healthcare.

'A radical operation' - a thematic analysis of newspaper framing of bariatric surgery in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Obesity in adolescents is a growing public health issue. Bariatric surgery is an effective, yet controversial treatment option for adolescents. The moral acceptability of this procedure by health-care professionals as well as the general public can be influenced by its portrayal in the news media. Our objective was to analyze how newspaper articles portrayed adolescent bariatric surgery, with attention to the language used and moral arguments made.

METHODS

Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, we analyzed 26 UK and 12 US newspaper articles (2014-2022) on adolescent bariatric surgery for implicit or explicit moral evaluations and use of normative language. Coding was performed after immersive reading, assisted by NVivo. Themes were identified and refined iteratively through consecutive auditing cycles to enrich the depth and rigor of our analysis.

RESULTS

The major themes identified related to (1) defining the burden of adolescent obesity, (2) sparking moral outrage, (3) sensation-seeking, and (4) raising ethical issues. The articles employed moral language, specifically non-neutral and negative discourse regarding surgery. Blame was attributed to adolescents or their parents. Sensationalist wording often reinforced the normative content, drawing the attention of the reader and contributing to stigmatization of adolescents with severe obesity as lacking will power and being lazy. Further moral issues that stood out were the challenges in obtaining an informed consent, and the unequal access to surgery for socially disadvantaged groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide insights into how adolescent bariatric surgery is represented in the print news media. Despite frequent citing of experts and studies on the efficacy, safety and unmet need for bariatric surgery, obesity and surgery in adolescents are often stigmatized and sensationalized, with (prospective) patients depicted as looking for an easy way out in the form of a solution brought by others (health systems, society, tax payers). This may increase the stigma surrounding adolescent obesity, and therefore limit the acceptability of specific treatments such as bariatric surgery.

Long-term weight loss after bariatric procedures for morbidly obese adolescents and youth: a single-institution analysis with up to 19-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a public health concern among adolescents and young adults. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and has been increasingly utilized in young patients. Long-term outcomes data for bariatric surgery in this age group are limited.

METHODS

This is a single-institution, prospective analysis of 167 patients aged 15-24 years who underwent one of three laparoscopic bariatric procedures between 2001 and 2019: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB, n = 71), adjustable gastric banding (LAGB, n = 22), and sleeve gastrectomy (LSG, n = 74). Longitudinal weight and body mass index (BMI) measurements were compared to evaluate patterns of weight loss.

RESULTS

All operations were completed laparoscopically using the same clinical pathways. Patients were predominantly female (82.6%), had a median age of 22.0 [Q1-Q3 20.0-23.0] years, and had a mean presurgical BMI of 48.5 ± 6.5 kg/m² (range 38.4-68.1 kg/m²). All procedures produced significant weight loss by 1 year, peak weight loss by 2 years, and modest weight regain after 5 years. Mean percent weight/BMI losses at 5 years for LRYGB, LAGB, and LSG were - 36.7 ± 10.8%, - 14.5 ± 15.3%, and - 25.1 ± 13.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). LRYGB patients were most likely to achieve ≥ 25% weight loss at 1, 3, and 5 years and maintained significant average weight loss for more than 15 years after surgery. Reoperations were procedure-specific, with LAGB, LRYGB, and LSG having the highest, middle, and lowest reoperation rates, respectively (40.9% vs. 16.9% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

All procedures provided significant and durable weight loss. LRYGB patients achieved the best and most sustained weight loss. LSG patients experienced second-best weight loss between 1 and 5 years, with lowest chance of reoperation. LAGB patients had the least weight loss and the highest reoperation rate. Compared to other factors, type of bariatric procedure was independently predictive of successful weight loss over time. More studies with long-term follow-up are needed.

Decision-making in the management of obesity: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review will evaluate the current published literature on decision-making in obesity management.

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is increasing in incidence worldwide. Although indications have been established for a variety of available treatment modalities, treatment selection must also factor in patient preferences, clinician expertise, and resource availability. Such considerations are crucial given the exponential expansion of new surgical techniques and pharmacologic options in the last decade. Although literature exists for decision-making on various obesity management topics, there are no scoping reviews systematically mapping the literature. This scoping review is timely given that the treatment of obesity has evolved into a multidisciplinary endeavor with myriad management decisions that both patients and clinicians must navigate.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

The review will consider for inclusion full-text primary studies, published in English from the year 2000 onwards, pertaining to decision-making in obesity management for health care providers involved in obesity management for patients aged ≥18 years.

METHODS

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Embase (Elsevier), MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO), and Cochrane Central (Wiley) will be systematically searched using a predefined strategy. Two independent reviewers will conduct a 3-tiered screen of identified articles, with a third reviewer resolving disputes. Data extraction will be performed using a predefined, yet flexible form. Descriptive summaries and mapping will be provided for included studies. Available evidence and knowledge gaps will be identified and summarized as they relate to specific concepts, populations, and contexts in obesity management decision-making.

The role of obesity and bariatric surgery-induced weight loss in breast cancer

Obesity is a complex metabolic condition considered a worldwide public health crisis, and a deeper mechanistic understanding of obesity-associated diseases is urgently needed. Obesity comorbidities include many associated cancers and are estimated to account for 20% of female cancer deaths in the USA. Breast cancer, in particular, is associated with obesity and is the focus of this review. The exact causal links between obesity and breast cancer remain unclear. Still, interactions have emerged between body mass index, tumor molecular subtype, genetic background, and environmental factors that strongly suggest obesity influences the risk and progression of certain breast cancers. Supportive preclinical research uses various diet-induced obesity models to demonstrate that weight loss, via dietary interventions or changes in energy expenditure, reduces the onset or progression of breast cancers. Ongoing and future studies are now aimed at elucidating the underpinning mechanisms behind weight-loss-driven observations to improve therapy and outcomes in patients with breast cancer and reduce risk. This review aims to summarize the rapidly emerging literature on obesity and weight loss strategies with a focused discussion of bariatric surgery in both clinical and preclinical studies detailing the complex interactions between metabolism, immune response, and immunotherapy in the setting of obesity and breast cancer.

Bariatric Surgery in Youth: the Perspective of Dutch Pediatricians, Parents, and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have indicated that bariatric surgery is effective for the treatment of youth with severe obesity. The attitudes of pediatricians, parents, and adolescents regarding this topic remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the current thoughts and beliefs of Dutch pediatricians, parents, and adolescents regarding bariatric surgery in youth.

METHODS

An online survey containing twenty questions on bariatric surgery in youth was distributed to pediatricians of the Dutch Society of Pediatrics. Parents and adolescents who participated in an interdisciplinary care program for overweight, obesity, and severe obesity filled out an online survey of twelve questions.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-one pediatricians, 49 parents, and 19 adolescents completed the surveys. Seventy-two pediatricians (59.5%) considered bariatric surgery to be an effective treatment for youth with severe obesity when conventional treatment fails, and intend to refer patients for bariatric surgery. The most frequently suggested conditions for bariatric surgery were a minimum age of 16 years (n = 59, 48.7%), a BMI threshold of 40 kg/m² (n = 51, 42.2%), and a minimum Tanner stage of IV (n = 59, 48.8%). Thirty parents (61.2%) and fourteen adolescents (73.7%) responded that bariatric surgery should become available for youth with severe obesity.

CONCLUSION

Dutch pediatricians, parents, and adolescents increasingly accept bariatric surgery as a treatment modality in youth with severe obesity who do not respond successfully to lifestyle intervention. Whether pediatricians will actually refer youth for bariatric surgery remains to be seen when this treatment option will be implemented in the Netherlands.