Teen Obesity and Bariatric Surgery

Contact Us

Call 412-641-3632 to schedule an initial evaluation for bariatric surgery at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

The frequency of being overweight in children has increased dramatically in recent years. Nearly one-third of youth are either overweight or obese.

What Contributes to Excess Weight and Obesity Among Teens?

Excess weight and obesity in children represent the combination of environmental, cultural, economic, and genetic risk factors.

Sweetened drinks, fast food, snack foods, a lack of physical activity, and an overabundance of sedentary behaviors all contribute to the problem.

Genetics determines a significant portion of an individual’s weight. However, we cannot change our genes, but can change our habits and environment.

Health Consequences of Teen Obesity

Health consequences of obesity in teens include:

Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery for Teens at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC

Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is not an option for everyone. It's only for people who are very obese and have failed more conservative measures.

Did you know?

You can learn more about the factors that make a person a likely candidate for bariatric surgery at one of UPMC's free information sessions.

To be considered for bariatric surgery, you must:

  • Have a BMI  — body mass index — of 35 to 40 and above, the same as adults.
    » Calculate your BMI now.
  • Have reached adult height — usually ages 13 for girls and 15 for boys.
  • Complete six months of nonsurgical weight management through a presurgical
    lifestyle program.
  • Have health conditions related to obesity, such as:
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Sleep apnea
    • Heart disease
    • Significant functional or psychosocial impairment
      *If the patient has a BMI greater than 40, obesity-related health conditions are not required for surgery.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery for Weight Loss

Some medical problems that may improve after bariatric surgery are:

  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Heart disease
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Heartburn and GERD
  • High blood pressure
  • Asthma
  • Joint pain

Contact Us to Learn More About Bariatric Surgery

Address

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC
300 Halket St., Suite 5600
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

©  UPMC | Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Supplemental content provided by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions. All rights reserved.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

© UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA, USA UPMC.com