Weight-loss surgery can weaken bones in teens and young adults

While the findings are interesting, experts also say the design of the study limits its ability to apply the findings to the general population.

Dr. Mil AliA bariatric surgeon and medical director of the Memorial Care Surgery Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, said the study was small and looked at only one aspect of weight loss surgery, said Health. told the line.

“A limitation of this study is that we compared patients who underwent weight-loss surgery with those who did not lose weight,” Ali said. “It would be a more effective study if it was compared to young people who lost weight using non-surgical methods.”

Dr. Ernst von SchwarzMD, PhD, FESC, FACC, FSCAI, Cardiologist, Professor of Medicine at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Author the secret of immortalitysay that this is an interesting but limited small study that may also provide some insight into the loss of bone strength and the development of bone diseases such as osteoporosis later in life.

But the long-term impact of the study’s findings isn’t clear, he said.

While the surgery may lead to a loss of bone density for some patients, it’s unclear whether this ultimately translates into long-term health risks as well, von Schwartz said.

Additionally, von Schwartz told Healthline that potential differences in exercise and physical activity between study groups should be considered as a reason for higher bone density.

Ali says the benefits of weight loss far outweigh the risks of surgery at this point.

“In general, obesity is a major risk factor, not just for the development of obesity. cardiovascular disease Not only heart failure, but weakness, immobility, degenerative joint and muscle disease Over time,” says von Schwartz.

“There is no dispute about the tremendous benefits that weight loss brings to overall health and beneficial long-term outcomes,” he says. “The risks and benefits of surgery should be considered before making a decision, but the long-term problems associated with obesity are likely to be exacerbated, and the benefits of weight loss after surgery are significant.” bariatric surgery In the long term, it outweighs the possible risks of bariatric surgery,” von Schwartz told Healthline.

“Weight-loss surgery is recommended for adolescents with a BMI greater than 40 or greater than 35 with other comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea,” Ali added. “The criteria are the same for sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, and the choice of surgery depends on the patient and other conditions.”

BMI is an estimate of total body fat based on a person’s height and weight.

Despite its limitations, it is widely used in clinical practice. But experts say BMI isn’t the only factor to consider in weight loss surgery.

“Patients and their parents should be thoroughly educated about weight-loss surgery, including the risks and benefits,” says Ali. “They need a stable home environment and a supportive parent or guardian.”

Ali told Healthline the risk level is very low, but not zero.

“Patients and families need to make informed decisions about whether the procedure is appropriate for their situation,” Ali said.

Ali offers some insights for families to consider.

• Debulking surgery should not be performed until the patient’s skeletal maturity is determined by the pediatrician.
• Decreased bone strength can have an impact, but proper nutrition and dietary supplements should prevent long-term problems.
• Bone strength can be improved and restored with proper nutrition and dietary supplements. calcium and Vitamin D.
• Regular exercise is also important for developing healthy bones.

There are many ways to lose weight, and strategies need to be combined to find one that works in the long run.

hayley parrus He holds a PhD in Sports and Exercise Psychology and a Master of Science in Behavioral Coaching. She is also certified in sports, nutrition and fitness coaching.

Perlas tells Healthline about healthy ways to lose weight during puberty and how parents can support their children.

practice partial control

“Parents can help by providing the right portion sizes to meet their child’s nutritional needs without overdosing,” says Perlus. “It’s important to pay attention to the hunger and satiety cues children express,” she added.

“Parents can help their children maintain a healthy weight and overall health. balanced diet and snack In moderate amounts,” says Perlus.

Incorporate physical activity throughout the day

“Find physical activity that your teen enjoys and make it a regular part of their routine,” she says. “This may include dancing, riding a bicycle, or participating in sports. “

be careful with snacks

“If your child is hungry between meals, choose nutritious snacks such as fresh fruit, veggies with hummus or yogurt dips, nuts, seeds and whole grain crackers,” says Perlus. says.

“Avoid binge eating while watching TV or using electronic devices,” she added.