There appears to be something very wrong with a society where children as young as 11 are considered for stomach operations to tackle their obesity.

But, with 900,000 British children classed as obese or so overweight their health is at risk, having children and teenagers fitted with gastric balloons, on the NHS, is the drastic proposal for a Yorkshire hospital announced this week.

Like a gastric band, a gastric balloon reduces the amount of food held in the stomach. The surgery would only involve youngsters whose size is damaging their health.

Those opposed to the move claim there’s a risk it will be seen as the only option for child obesity, instead of focusing on healthy diet and exercise. But supporters argue it could kickstart a healthier lifestyle, saving the NHS money in the long-run.

The trial, seen as a last resort for severely obese children and teenagers with diabetes linked to their weight, is planned for Sheffield Children’s Hospital next spring, subject to ethical approval.

Doctors say the temporary measure – proposed for six months – will help young people change their bad habits and become healthier adults.

The procedure will only be considered for those who have passed puberty, and the youngsters would be monitored on a diet and exercise programme afterwards.

Government health watchdog the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), recommends gastric bands only for youngsters in exceptional circumstances when diet, exercise and weight-loss drugs have failed.

Jennie McCabe of Ilkley accompanied her 20st mother overseas to have a gastric band fitted. After the operation, her mother lost 9st in a year.

“Mum struggled with her weight for years. She saw a gastric band as her last option,” says Jennie, 34. “She discussed it with the family and, before the operation, the doctor went through all the risks with us. As an adult you understand all that, and the enormity of the decision you’re making.

“My concern is that children and teenagers aren’t emotionally equipped to deal with a procedure like that. Even after the operation, there are problems. Mum sometimes gets food stuck, which is painful and frightening, and because of that, she won’t go out for meals anymore. It’s had a big impact on family life and, emotionally, it’s had a lasting impact on her.”

Adds Jennie: “I accept that surgery for children could lead to a healthier lifestyle in adulthood, but it’s very drastic.

“It should be about prevention as well as cure. Children spend too much time sitting in front of computers and TV screens.

“When I was a child, we played out in the street and park, but you rarely see that now. Schools and parents have a vital role to play in getting children more active.”

Professor Paul Gately runs summer camps in the district for children with weight problems. Over the 12 years the camps have been running, through Carnegie Weight Management based at Leeds University, more than 6,000 young people have lost weight and improved their fitness and confidence levels. The programme combines sport activities with healthy eating.

Prof Gately wants the Government to put more resources into programmes helping children adopt healthy lifestyles, claiming it would be a long-term investment for the NHS and an alternative to funding options such as surgery.

A fun, accessible programme tailored to individual needs, allowing youngsters to have fun as well as getting used to a healthier routine, is the way forward, he says.

“I am not against surgery, but I would argue that people I know who have been for surgery have not been through quality lifestyle interventions like ours,” he says.

“It may not be as accessible because health authorities are not paying for it. If we don’t invest now, we will spend much more money in future.

“Would you rather a child goes to a place where they feel safe and secure, meets friends and loses weight, or goes to hospital for surgery that has risks?”

He says overweight youngsters also need support with the emotional side of their weight loss journey.

“There’s a range of emotions and physical issues. We consider all those different dimensions and address them.”