Teen weight loss surgeries rising but experts say not enough

• Experts say obesity is a complex, chronic disease and treatment may require medical interventions in both adults and teens.
• The rate of weight loss procedures among adolescents has doubled from 2010 to 2017, according to a new study.
• But this is still “nowhere close to the appropriate utilization,” said an expert not affiliated with the study.

A new study found the rate of weight loss surgery among teenagers has doubled in recent years, but experts argue the procedure is still severely underutilized in the United States.

Although dietary counseling and physical activity are important to any weight loss strategy, experts say obesity is a complex, chronic disease and treatment may require medical interventions in both adults and teens.