Morbidly obese teenagers should be given gastric banding, doctors say

But those in low socio-economic areas who are most at risk can not access the surgery because it is not available in public hospitals.

Operating on adolescents may seem extreme, the doctors say, but is the best option for some and should be offered with counselling about diet and exercise.

An associate professor from the obesity research unit at Melbourne's Monash University, John Dixon, said that prevention was important but so was treating children who were already obese and suffering.

Read more on: The Sydney Morning Herald