Disparity Between United States Adolescent Class II and III Obesity Trends and Bariatric Surgery Utilization, 2015-2018

This study reveals significant underutilization of metabolic and bariatric surgery among US adolescents with severe obesity (1.81 per 1,000) compared to adults (5.56 per 1,000), with marked racial and ethnic disparities. Despite rising severe obesity rates in Hispanic and Black youth, non-Hispanic white adolescents receive MBS at substantially higher rates, highlighting critical gaps in access to this safe and effective treatment.