More U.S. Kids, Teens Are Getting Weight-Loss Surgeries

By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, June 6, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- As obesity rises among U.S. kids and teens, the number of weight-loss surgeries is growing, too.

Metabolic and bariatric surgeries among 10- to 19-year-olds rose by nearly 20% between 2020 and 2021, after climbing since 2016, a new study finds.

The jump is especially notable among those from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are packing on pounds more readily than white kids, the researchers said.

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This analysis shows that families are making the decision to pursue bariatric surgery more frequently year-over-year, and among those from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds in particular, said Sarah Messiah, study co-author and a professor of epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Houston School of Public Health.