HEALTH NEWS

Study Title:

Bariatric surgery for severe obesity

Study Abstract

Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is hard to treat with diet and
exercise alone. Bariatric surgery is an operation on the stomach and/or
intestines that helps patients with extreme obesity to lose weight. This
surgery is an option for people who cannot lose weight by other means
or who suffer from serious health problems related to obesity. The
surgery restricts food intake, which promotes weight loss and reduces
the risk of type 2 diabetes. Some surgeries also interrupt how food is
digested, preventing some calories and nutrients, such as vitamins,
from being absorbed. Recent studies suggest that bariatric surgery may
even lower death rates for patients with severe obesity. The best results
occur when patients follow surgery with healthy eating patterns and
regular exercise.

Study Information

Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity
NIH Publication
2009 March

Full Study

http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/gpo23655/Bariatric_Surgery_508.pdf