Rise in Severe Obesity Among Teens Prompts Controversial Treatments

Teens with life-threatening obesity are increasingly turning to weight loss surgery and new drugs to lose weight, despite risks.
Some have lost over 100 pounds from bariatric surgery; others have lost dozens of pounds from new obesity drugs.
While critics argue these treatments should only be last resorts, doctors say early intervention is key as diet and exercise alone often fail for severe obesity.
Sign-ups for adolescent bariatric surgery have doubled in recent years.
The treatments raise ethical questions but also provide hope for teens who have struggled with weight their whole lives.