Bad News: Allergan seeks FDA OK for Gastric Band in Youths

Childhood obesity rates soar in tandem with the rest of the US population. This is a fact we just can’t ignore. But, we also can’t overlook the fact that Weight Loss Surgery should not be considered as a solution for our young population.

Allergan, a company that manufactures Lap-Band devices, is seeking FDA approval for gastric banding in youths… yes, in children. Why do I find this so disturbing? Because Weight Loss Surgery should never be considered as an alternative to education and prevention. We have to put legislation and money where the problem really is. All those measures of getting rid of obesity after the damage is done are non-sense and sends the wrong message to our kids. A child has all the potential to start a healthy life, to exercise and to have parental support and education.

If the FDA approves the use of Gastric Banding for children as young as 14 years, there will be never a real cure to obesity.