A study published in Obesity Surgery reports that metabolic and bariatric surgery can be delivered safely and effectively to adolescents and young adults with severe obesity, according to a July 13 announcement from researchers at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, and Metamor Institute.
The study, titled "Outcomes of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Southern Louisiana," examined outcomes from 76 patients aged 10 to 25 who underwent bariatric surgery between January 2020 and March 2025 through a Louisiana-based program at the Metamor Institute. Researchers evaluated both safety outcomes and longer-term health improvements for these patients.
Obesity among adolescents and young adults continues to rise nationally, increasing risks for chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular disease. The study population included nearly 75 percent of patients covered through Medicaid insurance, underscoring the need to ensure access to advanced obesity treatment options regardless of socioeconomic background.
Dr. Katie Queen of Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital said, "The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that adolescents aged 13 and older with severe obesity (BMI >35 with at least one major comorbidity) be evaluated for metabolic and bariatric surgery, shifting from 'watchful waiting' to earlier, more intensive treatments. The AAP also recommends that these procedures should be performed by experienced bariatric surgeons and combined with comprehensive nutritional support and behavioral therapy."
Researchers attribute successful outcomes in part to a coordinated care model involving Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, and Metamor Institute. Dr. Vance Albaugh, Assistant Professor of Metabolic Surgery at Pennington Biomedical, said, "Severe obesity is a complex chronic disease that often begins early in life and can rapidly lead to serious long-term health complications. These findings provide encouraging evidence that with the right multidisciplinary approach, surgery can play an important role in improving health outcomes for younger patients, while also reinforcing the need for continued research to better guide care decisions for this population." The study highlights ongoing efforts by Pennington Biomedical's Greaux Healthy Provider Hub to offer continuing education opportunities focused on obesity prevention and treatment across all age groups.
