This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The rising epidemic of pediatric obesity has become a national health care priority due to the cumulative medical and psychosocial consequences across the lifespan. The degree of overweight has also increased at an alarming rate making the adolescent with extreme obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2) a growing population for which there is increasing concern. Empirically supported treatments for adolescent obesity and, in particular, extreme obesity are lacking. However, in adult populations, bariatric surgery has become a viable intervention option for extreme obesity and now surgical weight loss procedures are being critically evaluated for adolescents. Given adolescence is often marked by significant emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal growth, the fluidity of this developmental period may present unique challenges for the adolescent surgical patient. However, there is a critical gap in our understanding of the psychosocial functioning of this unique youth population pursuing this aggressive mode of weight reduction. The primary aims of this pilot study are to document the feasibility and utility of the proposed methods. The study will involve the administration of a battery of psychological measures assessing psychological adjustment, relationship to food, and quality of life in adolescents with extreme obesity pre- and post-bariatric surgery at 3-, 6-, months and thus provide preliminary data about the short-term outcomes of bariatric surgery on these psychological and quality of life factors.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 502 publications
