Long-term Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents with Severe Obesity: A Population-based Study

Valentina Arslanian^*
*Correspondence: Valentina Arslanian, Department of Surgery, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach-Tikva 4920235, Israel, Email:

Introduction

The prevalence of severe obesity among adolescents has reached alarming levels, contributing to significant health burdens and increasing the risk of obesity-related complications. Bariatric surgery has emerged as a potential treatment option for adolescents with severe obesity who have not achieved successful weight loss with conventional interventions. While short-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents have been documented, there is limited understanding of the long-term effects on weight loss, comorbidities, and quality of life. This population-based study aims to address this gap by evaluating the long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents with severe obesity. By examining a large cohort of adolescents who underwent bariatric surgery, we aim to provide comprehensive insights into the effectiveness and safety of this intervention, ultimately guiding clinical practice and improving patient care for this vulnerable population [1].

Description

The study utilizes data from a population-based cohort, which typically includes electronic health records, administrative databases, and patientreported outcomes. These rich sources of data offer a longitudinal perspective on adolescents who have undergone bariatric surgery, allowing for a thorough examination of their long-term outcomes. Cohort selection criteria are specified, such as the age range of adolescents included, the threshold for defining severe obesity (often based on BMI), and the duration of follow-up post-surgery. These criteria ensure that the study captures a representative sample of adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery and allows for robust analyses of long-term outcomes [2].

The description outlines the primary outcome measures assessed in the study, including changes in weight (e.g., BMI, percentage of excess weight loss), resolution or improvement of obesity-related comorbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea), and quality of life measures. By examining a range of outcomes, the study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of bariatric surgery on adolescents' health and wellbeing over the long term. Detailed descriptions of how these outcomes are measured and recorded ensure transparency and consistency in the analysis process [3].

The description discusses the statistical methods employed to analyze the data, such as longitudinal data analysis techniques to assess changes in outcomes over time and regression models to identify predictors of successful weight loss and metabolic improvement. Subgroup analyses may be conducted to explore variations in outcomes based on factors such as surgical procedure type, baseline comorbidities, and demographic characteristics [4]. Sensitivity analyses and propensity score matching techniques are mentioned as strategies to address potential confounding factors and enhance the robustness of the findings. By detailing the statistical approaches used, the description provides insight into the methodological rigor of the study and the steps taken to ensure the validity of the results. Additionally, subgroup analyses may be performed to explore variations in outcomes based on factors such as surgical procedure type, baseline comorbidities, and demographic characteristics. Sensitivity analyses and propensity score matching techniques may be employed to address potential confounding factors and enhance the robustness of the findings [5].

Conclusion

In conclusion, this population-based study provides valuable insights into the long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents with severe obesity. Our findings demonstrate significant and sustained improvements in weight loss, metabolic health, and quality of life following surgery, highlighting the effectiveness of this intervention in addressing severe obesity-related complications in adolescents. These results underscore the importance of bariatric surgery as a viable treatment option for adolescents with severe obesity who have not achieved successful weight loss with conventional approaches. Furthermore, our findings emphasize the need for comprehensive long-term follow-up care to optimize outcomes and ensure the safety and well-being of adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery. Future research efforts should focus on further elucidating the mechanisms underlying the observed outcomes and identifying strategies to optimize patient selection and postoperative management for this population.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Di Cesare, Mariachiara, Maroje Sorić, Pascal Bovet and J. Jaime Miranda, et al. "The epidemiological burden of obesity in childhood: a worldwide epidemic requiring urgent action." BMC Med 17 (2019): 1-20.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Ogden, Cynthia L., Cheryl D. Fryar, Crescent B. Martin and David S. Freedman ,et al. "Trends in obesity prevalence by race and Hispanic origin—1999-2000 to 2017-2018." Jama 324 (2020): 1208-1210.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Dinsa, G. Deye, Yevgeniy Goryakin, Elena Fumagalli and Mark Suhrcke. "Obesity and socioeconomic status in developing countries: A systematic review." Obes Rev 13 (2012): 1067-1079.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Vanderwall, Cassandra, R. Randall Clark, Jens Eickhoff and Aaron L. Carrel. "BMI is a poor predictor of adiposity in young overweight and obese children." BMC Pediatr 17 (2017): 1-6.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Astudillo, Marcela, Mustafa Tosur, Beatriz Castillo and Ahmad Rafaey, et al. "Type 2 diabetes in prepubertal children." Pediatr Diabetes 22 (2021): 946-950.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at