Child weight-loss surgeries on the rise

by Brian White (Subscribe to Brian White's posts)
Feb 5th 2007 3:25PM

Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements

It's kind of a sad day in American history when weight-loss surgeries are being prescribed for...children. Yes, there are some conditions that would warrant this kind of undertaking for some kids -- but for most, controlling one's diet and getting a decent dose of exercise each day would be kind of a better deal.

I don't want to suggest that the medical industry is profiteering off these surgeries -- but where there is money, there is sure to be a "market" of some sort. This one, if there is a market here, rather disgusts me though.

Instead of leaving diet control to the individual (who can't control it, apparently, in some cases), some hospitals now have approval from the FDA to test how teens fare with a procedure called laparoscopic gastric banding, where an elastic collar installed around the stomach limits how much someone can eat.

Source

Comments (2)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Yayaja 2-05-2007 @ 3:52PM

In the distant future, I think these procedures will probably be done at birth, especially in America. As horrible as that sounds, it would probably benefit more people then it would hurt. If having a large stomach becomes a liability, then procedures like this can help us adapt to our non mobile lifestyles.

Tim UF 2-05-2007 @ 4:11PM

There are times when bariatric surgery is a viable option. Usually though, a responsible doctor will want documentation of repeated attempts at weight loss (ie weight watchers memberships, gym memberships, etc). these sorts of weight loss attempts are very unlikely to be seen attempted by kids though.

I say get the kids a Wii and the Wii sports package. Or, you know, teach them how to play kickball, dodgeball, raquetball, etc. AND NO SOFT DRINKS.