Being overweight or obese is difficult enough for adults, but for children and adolescents, it can be especially harmful, both for now and in years to come. However, new research offers hope that one type of surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap band), may greatly improve the health of teenagers struggling with morbid obesity.

In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, New York University researchers focused on about 50 girls and boys ages 14-17. The findings of the study revealed that the subjects demonstrated significant decreases in both total and “android fat” mass 2 years after surgery. “Android fat,” or abdominal obesity, has been associated with the development of obesity-related illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and insulin resistance.

Benefits for Weight Loss & Overall health
The researchers found that undergoing Lap band surgery effectively improved glucose metabolism. In turn, this then reduced the teenage subjects’ risks for developing insulin resistance. The researchers also found that as the surgery had no impact on bone mineral density, bone growth was not affected.

“This study is the first to demonstrate the improvements in overall health and distribution of weight loss after Lap band surgery in adolescents,” said Evan Nadler, MD, the lead author. “While weight-loss surgery should always be a last resort for adults and adolescents, these findings show us that surgery in adolescents reduces the risk of significant health complications.”

SOURCE: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbidly Obese Adolescents Affects Android Fat Loss, Resolution of Comorbidities, and Improved Metabolic Status. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2009; 209 (5): 638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.07.022