Pediatric Bariatrics Program

Adolescent Obesity Treatment

Pediatric obesity is a complex medical condition shaped by genetics, hormones, metabolism, environment, daily routines and other factors. At DMC, adolescent obesity treatment focuses on helping teens and families understand their options, reduce health risks and build a care plan that fits their medical needs and everyday life. Care is personalized, supportive and designed to help patients move toward better health with confidence.

When to Consider Pediatric Bariatric Care

Obesity can increase a teen’s risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and other long-term health concerns. A consultation may be helpful if your teen has severe obesity, has struggled to achieve lasting results with previous weight loss efforts or is experiencing weight-related health concerns. These may include:

• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea or snoring concerns
• Fatty liver disease
• Joint pain or mobility challenges
• Low energy, reduced activity or quality-of-life concerns
• Emotional or social challenges related to weight

Surgical and Nonsurgical Weight Loss Options for Teens

DMC offers both surgical and nonsurgical options for pediatric weight management. Your child’s care plan may include one or more of the following services.

Medical Weight Management

Medical approach to pediatric weight management may include a review of your teen’s health history, weight history, medications, eating patterns, activity level, sleep, lab work and weight-related conditions. The care team can help determine whether nonsurgical treatment, medication support or a surgical evaluation may be appropriate.

GLP-1 Therapies

For some teens, medication may be part of a broader weight management plan. Some GLP-1 medications are approved for adolescents 12 and older, but treatment depends on age, diagnosis, medical history, possible side effects and ongoing follow-up needs.

Nutrition Counseling and Lifestyle Support

Nutrition counseling may help families make realistic changes around meals, snacks, hydration, movement and routines. The goal is to help your teen develop healthier patterns that can be sustained with support at home, school and in daily life.

Minimally Invasive Weight Loss Procedures

For some teens with severe obesity, a minimally invasive weight loss procedure may be considered after a thorough evaluation. Surgery may be one possible treatment option when the care team, patient and family determine that the benefits, risks and long-term responsibilities have been carefully reviewed.

Ongoing Follow-Up and Accountability

Long-term support is an important part of childhood obesity treatment. Follow-up visits may include progress checks, nutrition support, lab monitoring, medication review, symptom tracking and guidance for maintaining healthy habits over time.

Why Earlier Care Matters

Seeking care earlier gives families more time to understand options, address related health concerns and make informed decisions before obesity-related conditions become harder to manage. For adolescents with severe obesity, timely evaluation can be especially important when medical concerns such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes are already present. The goal of pediatric bariatrics is to help you understand what is possible, what is appropriate for your teen and what kind of support may be needed before, during and after treatment.

What to Expect at the First Visit

Your teen’s first visit may include a conversation about health history, growth and weight history, previous weight loss efforts, eating habits, physical activity, sleep, medications, mood, school routines and family goals.

The care team may also review BMI, blood pressure, lab work or other testing depending on your child’s needs. After the evaluation, the team can explain which next steps may be appropriate, including nonsurgical treatment, medication, nutrition support, additional testing or surgical evaluation.

Why Choose DMC for Pediatric Bariatric Care?

Families in Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan can turn to the DMC for a holistic approach to weight management. The DMC offers care for patients as young as 15, with access to surgical and nonsurgical options, including medical weight management, GLP1 therapies, nutrition counseling, lifestyle support and ongoing follow-up. 

DMC’s broader bariatric program also offers physician referral support for patients exploring weight loss treatment. DMC provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help families take the next step with guidance.

Connect with a DMC Physician

Request a physician referral to be connected with a DMC physician who is right for your child.

Request a Bariatric Physician Referral

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