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UNC student creates support program for obese adolescents

Faith Newsome struggled with obesity her entire life. After getting a gastric bypass at age 16, she decided to dedicate her life to helping other young people struggling with obesity.

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Obesity is a growing problem among many age groups, including teens. While the option to surgically treat obesity used to be limited to patients 18 and older​​​, experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics said they now support bariatric surgery as an option for teens with severe obesity.

Faith Newsome, a UNC student who was one of the first teens to have the surgery, opted for a gastric bypass at age 16.

For most of her life, Newsome felt like she stood out -- in a negative way. Now 21-years-old, Faith Newsome feels more comfortable, blending in with the crowds on the streets of Chapel Hill.

"I've struggled with obesity my entire life," she said.

According to Newsome, her mom knew from the time she was only a toddler that weight would be a struggle for her. Both of Newsome's parents had weight-loss surgery themselves.

After having the surgery herself, she realized she wanted to provide help and guidance for other adolescents living with obesity.

Helping other teens living with obesity

As a UNC student, Newsome turned to Innovate Carolina, which helps people move problem-solving ideas into action.
In Newsome's case, the organization helped her create the idea for O.C.E.A.N.S. Lifestyles.

"It's a support and advocacy group for adolescents with obesity," said Newsome.

Newsome said there are 14 million adolescents in this country living with obesity, and only 40 pediatric weight management clinics.

Newsome said that is too few available resources for such a large group.

Her mission is to improve policies that may discriminate against teens living with obesity. O.C.E.A.N.S. puts together fundraisers for obesity research, said Newsome -- but the heart and soul is online social support groups.

"Whenever I was going through the process, all I wanted was somebody to talk to," said Newsome.

O.C.E.A.N.S. provides support, encouragement and guidance for teens at any stage in their journey with obesity. Whether they are seeking medical assistance, recovering from surgical treatment or trying to simply cope with bullying, Newsome hopes her non-profit will empower teens struggling with obesity.

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