Flab to fab: Teens prefer the easy way

BANGALORE: Likewise malnutrition, obesity too is becoming an epidemic as a result of rapid urbanisation and modern lifestyle. Now to fight the battle against obesity, teenagers are choosing weight loss surgeries to cut off those extra kilos. However, on World Obesity Day on Saturday, experts opine that going under the knife is not recommended for children in the age group of 14 to 19 years.Speaking to Express Dr Vinobha Reddy, consultant bariatric surgeon and gastroenterologist at Manipal Hospital says, in the last one month, nearly 10 children under the age group of 14-19 years have approached for surgical intervention.“When given a choice between adopting healthy lifestyle or surgery, children prefer peration. But these operations in teenage cause nutritional deficiency and improper digestion which affect their growth in long run,” he added.The experts maintain that patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 to 29.9, who are considered overweight, will benefit from diet and exercise. But for patients, whose BMI is 30 and above, diet and exercise will not help in long term sustained weight loss. Such patients will need surgical weight loss methods but they should be above 19-years .Dr Neel shetty, GI, MIS and bariatric surgeon, BGS Global Hospitals. said  schools and parents should ensure increased physical activities in children.