Authors' objectives: To assess the available evidence on the efficacy, safety and coverage related aspects regarding coverage policies of bariatric surgery in patients under 21. Overweight and obesity are among the main death risk and disease burden factors worldwide. In Argentina, according to the 2012 Global School-Based Student Health Survey, 28.5% and 5.9% of adolescents 13-15 years old have overweight and obesity, respectively. In our country, since 2009, our Mandatory Medical Plan covers surgical treatment for obesity starting at the age of 21. It is estimated that bariatric surgery might have a role in the treatment of obesity in individuals under 21.

Authors' recommendations: Low-quality evidence suggests that bariatric surgery might be considered an effective alternative for weight loss only in adolescents with severe obesity and/or obesity associated to comorbidities, who have completed their maturity development. No evidence was found on the effectiveness and safety of bariatric surgery in children or on its long-term effect in adolescents. Clinical practice guidelines mention its use in adolescents and most health sponsors consulted consider it just for those having reached physical and psychological maturity, adhering to medical follow up and accompanied by a stable social and family environment only. However, there is no consensus on patient screening criteria in terms of body mass index cut off point. None of the guidelines or health sponsors consider its use in children.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2017

URL for published report: www.iecs.org.ar/home-ets/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)