Adolescent bariatrics and weight management

Penn Medicine’s bariatric surgery and weight management care addresses obesity with personalized care, empowering young patients to build lasting confidence and healthy habits.

Adolescent weight management services are provided by pediatricians, primary care providers, and specialists with expertise in adolescent obesity medicine, nutrition, psychology, and bariatric weight loss procedures. Our tailored care may include nutritional guidance, physical activity programs, counseling, an exploration and recommendation for a weight loss procedure, or medications.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery for your teen, we provide several options and approaches, including minimally invasive techniques and robotic bariatric surgery. We also meet the high safety and care standards set by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), which has designated the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania a comprehensive center with adolescent qualifications.

The Penn Medicine-CHOP partnership in adolescent bariatrics

For some adolescents, weight loss surgery may be recommended when other methods haven’t led to weight loss. The Adolescent Bariatric Program is a unique partnership between the staff of the Health and Well-being Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). We collaborate to provide pediatric bariatric surgery and support to adolescents between the ages of 15 and 20.

A team at CHOP evaluates your child to determine if surgery is the right treatment option. If recommended, the procedure is done at HUP. You and your child can expect exceptional care that includes:

• Experienced surgeons using the most advanced surgical techniques available
• A team of dietitians, psychologists, and other specialists who address your child’s medical, nutritional, and emotional needs
• Support during every step, including before and after surgery and during follow-up visits

Meeting with peers can help ease your child’s anxiety about surgery. The Adolescent Support Group at CHOP meets twice a month and is open to adolescents and their parents or caregivers. The group meets in Room B on the sixth floor at 3535 Market Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can RSVP by calling 267-426-2782.