High prevalence of neurodevelopmental problems in adolescents eligible for bariatric surgery for severe obesity

Obesity treatment in adolescents and adults in the era of personalized medicine

In this multi-professional review, we will provide the in-depth knowledge required to work in the expanding field of obesity treatment. The prevalence of obesity has doubled in adults and quadrupled in children over the last three decades. The most common treatment offered has been lifestyle treatment, which has a modest or little long-term effect. Recently, several new treatment options-leading to improved weight loss-have become available. However, long-term care is not only about weight loss but also aims to improve health and wellbeing overall. In the era of personalized medicine, we have an obligation to tailor the treatment in close dialogue with our patients. The main focus of this review is new pharmacological treatments and modern metabolic surgery, with practical guidance on what to consider when selecting and guiding the patients and what to include in the follow-up care. Furthermore, we discuss common clinical challenges, such as patients with concurrent eating disorder or mental health problems, and treatment in the older adults. We also provide recommendations on how to deal with obesity in a non-stigmatizing way to diminish weight stigma during treatment. Finally, we present six microcases-obesity treatment for persons with neuropsychiatric disorders and/or intellectual disability; obesity treatment in the nonresponsive patient who has "tried everything"; and hypoglycemia, abdominal pain, and weight regain after metabolic surgery-to highlight common problems in weight-loss treatment and provide personalized treatment suggestions.

Cognitive functioning in adolescents with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery or intensive non-surgical treatment in Sweden (AMOS2): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial

Background

Severe obesity during childhood is associated with cognitive deficits. Studies in adults have suggested improvements in executive functioning and memory after bariatric surgery. Our aim was to explore changes in cognitive function in adolescents over two years after bariatric surgery or intensive non-surgical treatment.

Methods

The Adolescent Morbid Obesity Surgery 2 (AMOS2) is a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial in which adolescents (aged 13-16 years) with severe obesity (defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2) at three specialised obesity centres in Sweden, were randomly assigned to receive bariatric surgery or intensive non-surgical treatment. Herein we report the results of the prespecified exploratory endpoint of change in cognitive functioning. Inclusion in AMOS2 required Tanner pubertal stage ≥3, previous participation in lifestyle obesity treatment for at least one year, and passed assessment form a paediatrician and a paediatric psychologist. Adolescents with severe intellectual disability or other severe, pervasive developmental disorder were excluded. Participants underwent baseline assessment of general intellectual ability, executive functioning, and memory before randomisation. Tests were administrated by clinical psychologists and repeated at one- and two-year follow-up timepoints. Differences in means between groups during follow-up are provided with confidence intervals. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02378259.

Findings

Between October 28 2015 and June 7 2017, 46 adolescents (74% girls), with a mean age of 15.8 (±0.92) years and a mean BMI of 42.8 (±5.4) kg/m2, were included and randomised (23 to bariatric surgery and 23 to intensive non-surgical treatment). At baseline 23/46 (50%) of the adolescents had general intellectual functioning classified as borderline or below. For 15/18 (83%) aspects of cognitive functioning, no significant differences in change over two years were identified between groups; Immediate (average difference during follow-up 1.0 [95% CI: -2.6 to 4.6]) and Delayed (0.5 [95% CI: -0.6 to 1.6]) Verbal Recall, Category Fluency (1.1 [95% CI: -1.6 to 3.8]) and Switching (1.5 [95% CI: -0.0 to 2.9]), Number (-6.0 [95% CI: -12.3 to 0.3]) and Letter (0.1 [95% CI: -5.2 to 5.3]) Sequencing, Number-Letter Switching (-10.3 [95% CI: -26.4 to 5.8]), Motor Speed (-8.3 [95% CI: -17.5 to 0.9]), Colour Naming (-1.9 [95% CI: -4.2 to 0.3]), Inhibition (-3.6 [95% CI: -9.6 to 2.5]), Inhibition Switching (-6.7 [95% CI: -15.3 to 1.9]), Mazes (-0.5 [95% CI: -4.9 to 3.9]), Digit Span Forward (0.1 [95% CI: -0.6 to 0.9 ]) and Backward (0.6 [95% CI: -0.4 to 1.6 ]), and Estimated IQ (0.4 [95% CI: -3.9 to 4.8]; all p > 0.05). Three sub-tests assessing fundamental cognitive skills improved more over two years in operated adolescents than in intensive non-surgical treatment; Letter Fluency (average difference during follow-up 3.8 [95% CI: 0.1-7.5]; p = 0.046), Visual Scanning (-6.5 [95% CI: -11.6 to -1.5]; p = 0.011), and Word Reading (-1.9 [95% CI: -3.3 to -0.4]; p = 0.011).

Interpretation

In contrast to non-randomised studies in adults, we could not demonstrate an association of bariatric surgery and its accompanying significant weight loss with overall greater improvement in executive functions and memory in adolescents over two years compared with a non-surgical group without weight loss. However, lack of statistical power is a potential limitation. The clinical relevance of greater improvements in basic cognitive skills needs to be explored.

Funding

Sweden's innovation agency (VINNOVA), Swedish Research Council, Joanna Cocozza foundation for paediatric research, The Skane University Hospital Psychology Research and Development Grant, Tore Nilsson's Foundation, SUS Foundations and Donations, and Mary von Sydow's Foundation.

Long-term Outcomes Following Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Severe obesity in adolescence negatively impacts upon health and wellbeing. Lifestyle modifications do not usually achieve a sufficient degree or durability of weight loss to mitigate the risk of medical complications. In recent years, metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), already a well-established treatment for adults with severe obesity, has emerged as an option in adolescents. Controlled studies in this age group have demonstrated substantial and sustained weight loss, improvements in associated health parameters, and a safety profile surpassing that observed in adult patients. This review aims to present published data on the results of MBS in adolescents with a focus on long-term outcomes. Indications for bariatric surgery and aspects of timing in the young person's life are also presented, along with safety considerations and factors influencing patient selection for surgery. We conclude, predominantly from short- to medium-term outcomes data, that MBS is a safe and valuable therapeutic option for adolescents with severe obesity. Considering the poor health and social wellbeing prognosis in this group, MBS appears to be underutilized. The need for continued research, multiprofessional specialist provision, coherent contemporary clinical guidelines, and routine long-term follow-up in adolescents undergoing MBS is highlighted.

Adolescents' and professionals' experiences of metabolic and bariatric surgery and requirements for preoperative and postoperative support through mHealth: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore adolescents' and professionals' incentives and experiences of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) and to explore perceived needs and requirements for preoperative and postoperative support through an mHealth intervention to improve long-term healthy lifestyle behaviour and health outcomes.

DESIGN

An inductive qualitative study using in-depth semistructured interviews.

SETTING

Three hospital-based specialist paediatric obesity treatment units in Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 18 participants (14 women and 4 men). Nine adolescents aged between 17 and 22 years who had undergone or were about to undergo surgery, and nine professionals, including researchers and clinicians working in various professional roles such as physiotherapist, dietician, nurse, psychologist, physician and pedagogue.

RESULTS

Both informant groups of participants highlighted that undergoing MBS is a complex process, and hence actions are required on several levels to optimise the positive, long-term effects of surgery. Efficient communication between the healthcare professionals and adolescents was considered crucial and a key success factor. Informants acknowledged the need for additional support that relates to psychosocial well-being and mental health in order to understand, form and accept new behaviours and identity. An mHealth intervention should be seen as complementary to physical appointments, and informants acknowledged that an app could be a way of improving access to healthcare, and a useful tool to allow for individually tailored and easily available support.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings address the importance of a personal encounter and a need for additional support that relates to psychosocial well-being, mental health and healthy lifestyle behaviour. These findings should be incorporated into future research concerning mHealth interventions in MBS during adolescence.

Surgery for the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Child and adolescent overweight and obesity have increased globally and are associated with significant short- and long-term health consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of surgery for treating obesity in childhood and adolescence.

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, we searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database (LILACS), World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP)and ClinicalTrials.gov on 20 August 2021 (date of the last search for all databases). We did not apply language restrictions. We checked references of identified studies and systematic reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of surgical interventions for treating obesity in children and adolescents (age < 18 years) with a minimum of six months of follow-up. We excluded interventions that specifically dealt with the treatment of eating disorders or type 2 diabetes, or which included participants with a secondary or syndromic cause of obesity, or who were pregnant.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Where necessary, we contacted authors for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

With this update, we did not find any new RCTs. Therefore, this updated review still includes a single RCT (a total of 50 participants, 25 in both the intervention and comparator groups). The intervention focused on laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery, which was compared to a control group receiving a multi-component lifestyle programme. The participating population consisted of Australian adolescents (a higher proportion of girls than boys) aged 14 to 18 years, with a mean age of 16.5 and 16.6 years in the gastric banding and lifestyle groups, respectively. The trial was conducted in a private hospital, receiving funding from the gastric banding manufacturer. For most of the outcomes, we identified a high risk of bias, mainly due to bias due to missing outcome data. Laparoscopic gastric banding surgery may reduce BMI by a mean difference (MD) of -11.40 kg/m2 (95% CI -13.22 to -9.58) and weight by -31.60 kg (95% CI -36.66 to -26.54) compared to a multi-component lifestyle programme at two years follow-up. The evidence is very uncertain due to serious imprecision and a high risk of bias. Adverse events were reported in 12/25 (48%) participants in the intervention group compared to 11/25 (44%) in the control group. A total of 28% of the adolescents undergoing gastric banding required revisional surgery. The evidence is very uncertain due to serious imprecision and a high risk of bias. At two years of follow-up, laparoscopic gastric banding surgery may increase health-related quality of life in the physical functioning scores by an MD of 16.30 (95% CI 4.90 to 27.70) and change in health scores by an MD of 0.82 (95% CI 0.18 to 1.46) compared to the lifestyle group. The evidence is very uncertain due to serious imprecision and a high risk of bias. No data were reported for all-cause mortality, behaviour change, participants' views of the intervention and socioeconomic effects. Finally, we have identified three ongoing RCTs that are evaluating the efficacy and safety of metabolic and bariatric surgery in children and adolescents.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic gastric banding led to greater body weight loss compared to a multi-component lifestyle program in one small study with 50 participants. These results have very limited application, primarily due to more recent recommendations derived from observation studies to avoid the use of banding in youth due to long-term reoperation rates. This systematic review update still highlights the lack of RCTs in this field. The authors are concerned that there may be ethical barriers to RTCs in this field, despite the lack of other effective therapies for severe obesity in children and adolescents and the significant morbidity and premature mortality caused by childhood obesity. Nevertheless, future studies, whether pre-registered and planned non-randomised or pragmatic randomised trials, should assess the impact of the surgical procedure and post-operative care to minimise adverse events, including the need for post-operative adjustments and revisional surgery. Long-term follow-up is also critical to comprehensively assess the impact of surgery as participants enter adulthood.

Adapting pediatric obesity care to better suit adolescent patients: Design of a treatment platform and results compared with standard care in the national patient quality register

BACKGROUND

Obesity constitutes a critical risk for adolescent health. This study aimed at identifying youth-friendly components of obesity treatment.

METHODS

In this feasibility study, an adolescent obesity treatment platform was implemented at two Pediatric outpatient clinics in Sweden. Body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, and the category of obesity (International Obesity Task Force) were compared before and after the intervention and with data on standard care from the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register.

RESULTS

The study included 99 participants (49 females) aged 13-18 years from 1 September 2014, to 31 December 2016. A pediatric nurse met the participants on average 6.5 times in the average inclusion period of 15 months. Physical activity sessions attracted 63 participants. Acceptance Commitment Therapy and In Real Life groups attracted 24 participants. At inclusion, 62 participants had obesity and 37 severe obesity, and 71/99 (72%) remained in the same category. The mean BMI increased from 32.0 to 33.4 kg/m2 (p < 0.01), but 56/94 (60%) participants lowered their BMI or increased less than 1 kg/m2 and 73% stayed to the end of the study. Participants who were new to treatment and participants coming for more than eight visits to the nurse did not increase in BMI. BMI did not change for the 221 out of 641 register patients who had two recordings of BMI in the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The platform was successful in increasing retention, and 60% of participants lowered or maintained their BMI. Still, seven out of ten adolescents with obesity or severe obesity remained in the same weight category.

High prevalence of neurodevelopmental problems in adolescents eligible for bariatric surgery for severe obesity

Aim

To assess the prevalence of neurodevelopmental problems in adolescents with severe obesity and their associations with binge eating and depression.

Methods

Data were collected at inclusion in a randomised study of bariatric surgery in 48 adolescents (73% girls; mean age 15.7 ± 1.0 years; mean body mass index 42.6 ± 5.2 kg/m²). Parents completed questionnaires assessing their adolescents’ symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder and reported earlier diagnoses. Patients answered self‐report questionnaires on binge eating and depressive symptoms.

Results

The parents of 26/48 adolescents (54%) reported scores above cut‐off for symptoms of the targeted disorders in their adolescents, but only 15% reported a diagnosis, 32% of adolescents reported binge eating, and 20% reported symptoms of clinical depression. No significant associations were found between neurodevelopmental problems and binge eating or depressive symptoms. Only a third of the adolescents reported no problems in either area.

Conclusion

Two thirds of adolescents seeking surgical weight loss presented with substantial mental health problems (reported by themselves or their parents). This illustrates the importance of a multi‐professional approach and the need to screen for and treat mental health disorders in adolescents with obesity.