Purpose of review: Bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable method for treating obesity. This review highlights the results and safety of bariatric surgery.
Recent findings: The global prevalence of obesity and its related comorbidities including cancer are on the rise. Bariatric surgery has demonstrated more robust and durable weight loss than current medical treatment. Bariatric surgery also reduces significantly the risk of complications associated with obesity comorbidities, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and the risk of mortality in comparison with medical management. Due to accreditation efforts, the safety profile of bariatric surgery is equivalent or superior to many common operations. Obesity is associated with increased all cause morbidity and mortality. The current bariatric procedures produce significant and durable weight loss and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with obesity-related diseases substantially. The risk/benefit ratio for bariatric surgery is decidedly in favor for the benefit for bariatric surgery.
Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Cardiovascular disease; Metabolic surgery; Obesity; Outcome; Safety; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.