Metabolic/bariatric surgery is an effective and durable treatment for obesity, resulting in significant weight loss and improvements in comorbid conditions, including type 2 diabetes. It is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events, cancer, and death. However, there is a risk of weight regain and an increased risk of developing substance and alcohol use disorders, suicidal ideation/attempts, and accidental death. Lifelong follow-up is necessary to reduce these complications. Different surgical procedures have varying risks and benefits, and more research is needed on less invasive and emerging procedures.
Review by Courcoulas AP, Daigle CR and Arterburn DE in BMJ
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