Tonsil Surgery Linked to Obesity in Children

Aug 10, 2011
Melissa Ridenour

Surgery for Tonsils - Adam Ciesielski

A new study suggests that children who have had their tonsils removed are more at risk for becoming overweight than children who have not had such surgery.

According to Cari Nierenberg’s article, “Getting Tonsils Out Tied to Kids’ Weight Gain”, research published in an issue of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, claims that scientists reviewed data from nine different studies that were conducted over a period of 40 years.

The scientists examined the weight of 795 children ranging in ages from 0 to 18 years old before having a tonsillectomy and then followed up on their weight for eight years after the surgery. Dr. Anita Jeyakumar, head of the research, stated, "We found a greater-than-expected weight gain in normal and overweight children after tonsillectomy.”

What is a Tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils, glands at the back of the throat. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system which helps to fight infection. The tonsils are removed when a patient, more frequently a child, has persistent throat infections, sleep apnea, inability to swallow properly due to tonsil enlargement, or an obstruction.

How is Tonsil Surgery Linked to Obesity in Children?

The research published in the issue of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, claims that one analysis of 127 children for up to one year after surgery showed that the average body mass index of the child patients increased by approximately 7 percent. Another analysis of 249 children showed that 50 to 75 percent of the children experienced the weight gain in the first year after surgery. Scientists imply that additional study would be needed to determine whether the weight gain levels off after that.

Because tonsillectomy is the most common major surgery performed on children, scientists wonder if the post surgery weight gain is helping to contribute to our nation’s obesity epidemic, especially among children.

According to the article, “Obesity Could be Caused by Ear Infections or Tonsils”, scientists suggest that a history of severe ear infections during childhood or tonsils may also increase the risk of obesity later in life. Such frequent infections can alter a child’s sense of taste. Such an alteration to the sense of taste leads to preferences for foods rich in fat. Fatty foods increase the risk of obesity.

In conclusion, it would be advisable for parents to monitor their children’s weight closely post tonsil surgery. It is also advisable for parents to limit fatty food intake if their children are prone to frequent ear or tonsil infections which could alter their sense of taste making, the children more prone to craving less healthy food alternatives.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.