The Role of Devices in the Management of Pediatric Obesity

Curr Obes Rep. 2022 Sep;11(3):55-60. doi: 10.1007/s13679-022-00476-y. Epub 2022 Jun 23.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Approximately 20% of children and adolescents in the USA suffer from obesity with significant long-term effects well into adulthood. Metabolic and bariatric surgery, although well adopted in the adult population, has been underutilized in children.

Recent findings: There are four categories of weight loss devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for use in adults - gastric bands, gastric balloon systems, electrical stimulation systems, and gastric emptying systems. In this commentary we discuss the role these devices may play in increasing the adoption of procedural intervention for severe obesity in children and adolescents.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Devices; Pediatric obesity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • Child
  • Gastric Balloon*
  • Humans
  • Obesity, Morbid* / surgery
  • Pediatric Obesity* / surgery