Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Weight Loss Surgery in Adolescents With Extreme Obesity

This study explores weight-loss surgery for young people aged 14 to 24 living with severe obesity in Germany. While surgery is very effective for weight loss in adults, its long-term effects and safety in teenagers aren't fully known. This research compares young people who have surgery with those who don't, but are all part of a support programme. The goal is to see how surgery helps with weight and related health issues, and to understand any risks, within a structured care plan. Researchers want to gather good information to help decide if and how surgery can be a safe option for young people.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Prof. Dr. Martin Wabitsch

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2013

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Obesity Extreme Obesity

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into a type of weight-loss surgery called bariatric surgery, specifically for teenagers and young adults aged 14 to 24 who have severe obesity. While this type of surgery is known to be very effective for significant and lasting weight loss in adults, and can even reverse some health problems linked to obesity, its long-term impact on younger people is still being understood. Because of this, some people consider it an experimental treatment for adolescents.

The study aims to carefully look at both the good things and the potential downsides of having weight-loss surgery at a younger age. Participants will be part of a special support programme before and after surgery, which is designed to help them stick with the necessary lifestyle changes and check on their health over time. Researchers will compare those who have surgery with young people of similar weight who are in the same support programme but don't have surgery.

By doing this, the study hopes to gather important information about how effective the surgery is for young people, how it affects their health in the long run, and what risks might be involved. This will help doctors and families make more informed choices about the best ways to help young people manage severe obesity.

Key takeaways

The study explores weight-loss surgery for young people (14-24) with severe obesity.
It compares surgery outcomes with other weight management methods.
Participants receive structured support before and after surgery (if applicable).
The aim is to understand long-term benefits and risks in young people.
All participants get some travel expenses covered for study visits.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you generally need to be between 14 and 24 years old. You would also need to have severe obesity, meaning your Body Mass Index (BMI) is quite high, and you might have some related health problems. Importantly, you should have finished most of your growing, have a stable home life, and have already tried other weight management treatments without enough success. You also need to be willing and able to follow the study's plan.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For instance, if your obesity is caused by another treatable medical condition, or if you have certain unstable health issues, mental health conditions, or problems with alcohol or drugs, you wouldn't be suitable. The study also cannot include pregnant individuals or anyone with medical reasons that would make bariatric surgery unsafe.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 14 and 24 years old?
Do you have severe obesity with or without related health problems?
Have you finished growing taller?
Have you already tried other ways to lose weight without enough success?
Do you have stable home and social support?
Are you able and willing to follow a study plan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be part of a structured support programme. This programme includes careful preparation before any potential surgery and regular follow-up appointments afterwards. You'll have assessments, likely filling out questionnaires, which initially happened twice a year but were later changed to once a year. These appointments will help researchers understand your health and progress over time. You will receive a payment of 30 Euros for each study visit to help cover travel costs. The study aims to gather thorough information over a long period, though the specific total duration of your participation isn't mentioned.

Potential risks and benefits

There are potential benefits to taking part, such as receiving structured support for weight management and, if you have surgery, the potential for significant weight loss and improvement in related health conditions. However, any surgery carries risks, including those related to the procedure itself and potential long-term complications or nutritional deficiencies. The study aims to understand these risks better in young people. Remember, joining is voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (5)

Ambulatory Obesity Program, Charité University, Berlin
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany
Vestische Kinderklinik, University of Witten/Herdecke
Verified postcode
Datteln, Germany
University Duisburg-Essen
Verified postcode
Essen, Germany
University Hospital Leipzig
Verified postcode
Leipzig, Germany
Dept for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Ulm: Interdisciplinary obesity clinic
Verified postcode
Ulm, Germany

Common questions

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a type of operation that helps people lose a lot of weight by making changes to their digestive system.

Why is this study important?

We need more information about how safe and effective weight-loss surgery is for teenagers and young adults in the long term.

Will I have surgery if I join?

Not necessarily. The study compares young people who have surgery with those who manage their weight using other methods, all within a support programme.

Do I have to pay to be in the study?

No, you don't pay. In fact, you will receive 30 Euros to help with travel costs for each study visit.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.