Rising Trend of Weight-Loss Surgery Among U.S. Adolescents

In recent years, the utilization of weight-loss surgeries among adolescents in the United States has experienced a notable increase. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of adolescents undergoing bariatric procedures grew by approximately 15%, according to a study led by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center. This period also coincided with the FDA's approval of new weight-loss medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have become popular non-invasive treatment options.

The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, highlights that severe obesity is becoming more prevalent among teenagers, with nearly 9.1% of U.S. adolescents classified as morbidly obese in 2018. These adolescents are at increased risk for a range of health issues, including cardiovascular, liver, and kidney diseases, sleep apnea, and mental health conditions.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS)—which includes procedures like gastric sleeve, gastric band, and gastric bypass—remains the gold standard for sustainable weight loss and reduction of obesity-related health risks. Despite the rise in medication use, MBS procedures among teenagers increased from 1,376 in 2021 to 1,581 in 2023. Gastric sleeve surgeries composed the majority of these procedures, accounting for over 86%.

Interestingly, the data also reveal that the increase in MBS was especially significant among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black adolescents, groups heavily impacted by severe obesity. Still, the study found that about one-third of adolescents undergoing surgery had a body mass index (BMI) over 50, indicating extreme obesity. Earlier intervention through surgical methods could potentially lower health risks at a younger age.

Researchers suggest that as weight-loss medications like GLP-1RAs become more accessible and covered by insurance, including Medicaid, the number of surgeries may eventually plateau or decline. Currently, insurance coverage remains a barrier, with many adolescents unable to afford these treatments.

The report emphasizes that the combination of surgical options, medication, and lifestyle support will likely be required to address severe obesity comprehensively in adolescents. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of early and effective intervention strategies to combat this growing health issue.