Background

Bariatric surgery is an established treatment for morbid obesity in patients with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40 kg/m², or BMI equal to or greater than 35 in the presence of weight-related comorbidities.   Some experts have recommended broadening of the eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery, in order to reach more patients who might benefit.  The population of patients with nonmorbid obesity (i.e., BMI 30-35 kg/m²) represents a very large number of patients with a high overall burden of weight-related comorbidities. Read more