Thomas H. Inge

TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide justification for and recommend a standardized definition of severe obesity in children and adolescents and raise awareness of this serious and growing problem by summarizing the current literature in this area in terms of the epidemiology and trends, associated health risks (immediate and long-term), and challenges and shortcomings of currently available treatment options.

TL;DR: An approach for the evaluation of adolescent patients' candidacy for bariatric surgery is offered and principles of adolescent growth and development, the decisional capacity of the patient, family structure, and barriers to adherence must be considered.

TL;DR: In this multicenter, prospective study of bariatric surgery in adolescents, significant improvements in weight, cardiometabolic health, and weight-related quality of life at 3 years after the procedure are found.

TL;DR: Clinicians should consider body fat distribution and individual health risks in addition to body mass index when making treatment decisions, especially when treatment is discontinued.

TL;DR: Given the higher risk of adult obesity that develops in childhood, MBS should not be withheld from adolescents when severe co-morbidities, such as depressed health-related quality of life score, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis exist.