Abstract
BACKGROUND: With the growing prevalence of obesity in the global population, alternative measures for weight loss and treatment of comorbidities must be considered due to the increasing difficulty of conservative management alone. Here we discuss the benefits of bariatric surgery on weight loss as well comorbidities that are present in a majority of obese patients. Methods: In this review, we discuss the current practice and evidence of bariatric surgery as it pertains to weight loss and the beneficial effect on comorbidities commonly present in obesity. RESULTS: Our review found that bariatric surgery with either the roux-en-y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can result in weight loss of up to 80% of excess weight. We also found that bariatric surgery has a profound effect on multiple comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia through remission of the disease. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery serves as an efficacious alternative for treatment of obesity and comorbidities.