The standard treatment for morbid obesity in children is by combined life style interventions. However, the medium and long term effects of dietetic interventions, behaviour therapy and medication is relatively poor. In adults bariatric surgery shows good results with up to 30% weight reduction in 3 years. The preliminary results in youth are similar, but surgery in this age group is relatively uncommon. In the Netherlands surgery in this age group is only allowed in clinical trials, until the benefits and risks have been established. (National Health Authorities)