At what age can childhood obesity be treated intensively?

By Dr. Acosta Then

The American Society of Pediatrics announced a change in its protocols for treating obesity. The news had an immediate reaction among pediatricians who treat overweight, considering that it recommends offering aggressive and intensive treatments, such as weight loss surgeries in minors.

Weight loss treatments listed by the Ameri- can Society of Pediatrics include diet changes, weight loss medications, and bariatric treatments starting at age 12. The lifestyle begins in childhood. Obesity in children and adolescents can make them lonelier since they often suffer from bullying.

In addition, childhood obesity develops long-term diseases. The parents have the responsibility to reverse the situation; their children’s health depends on them. Adolescents are perfect candidates for programs with non-surgical bariatric endoscopy options, such as sleeve endoscopy. It is possible to perform it when there is an overweight of 25 pounds or more. The best thing about the procedure is that it is ambulatory and minimally invasive. Usually, recovery is about eight hours.

Childhood obesity must be treated quickly and effectively, as it leads to severe problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancer in the long term.When treating children, I always focus beyond the physical because the emotional part is also essential. It must be remembered that they are human beings and that the outcome and maintenance of the treatment depend on their will.

In childhood obesity, the family environment is crucial for effectiveness. A lifestyle change is essential, and it comes from home.A sedentary lifestyle, junk food, and ultra-processed foods should be eliminated. Often, these are offered by the parents themselves due to the ease of access and because children find them more attractive. This is where parents come in: they must motivate and help the child or adolescent to migrate towards a healthy lifestyle.

* Dr. Acosta Then is a bariatric endoscopist, and director of the Salute Clinic Obesity and Specialties Clinic, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. She belongs to the US Bariatric Endoscopy Society and directs the “Happy Weight Without Surgery” program.