Are more U.S. teens electing to have obesity surgery these days? According to many reports, this is indeed the case. But, are teens exposing themselves to unneeded risks by doing so?

A new five-year study will look at the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery on adolescents, something that is probably overdue as more people (younger people) have surgery to help them lose all those pounds.

The purpose of this study that will take until 2012 is to find out if adults and adolescents who have bariatric surgery have different health problems -- and it surgery is more beneficial if had earlier in life.