evidence: If your child is 12 or older and has obesity, ask your health care professional about other treatment options, such as - weight-management medicines for children ages 12 and older - weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric and metabolic surgery, for teens ages 13 and older Treatments such as medicines and surgery don’t replace lifestyle changes as a way for your child to lose weight. These treatments work best when your child is physically active and consumes healthy foods and beverages.13 [...] Children respond to medicines and treatments differently than adults. The way to get the best treatments for children is through research designed specifically for them.