According to Professor Bauer the long term effects of this surgery is not adequately studied in patients younger than 15.

"We know that obesity surgery can really improve life longevity for adults who have severe obesity," she said. "We have recommended laparoscopic banding surgery for young people because, first of all, there is experience with its use in Australia and also because it is potentially reversible. I think that is an important thing to think about when we are dealing with young people, particularly when we are not sure necessarily of the long-term effects."

She however pointed out that, "It ™s important to understand these new procedures are no quick fix.''

The Ethics of Obesity will be one of the sessions featured at the World Congress of Internal Medicine being held in Melbourne this week.