Controversy Surrounds Weight Loss Methods for Severely Obese Teens

A growing number of young teens with severe obesity are turning to weight-loss surgery and new drugs to lose large amounts of weight, despite controversy. Critics urge caution at intervening so early, but the kids and their parents say the aggressive measures are necessary options after years of ineffective diet and exercise programs. Obesity was first classified as a complex, chronic disease a decade ago by the American Medical Association, but meaningful treatments have lagged far behind.