Bariatric

Bariatrics is the branch of medicine focused on obesity and weight management. It encompasses non-surgical approaches such as diet, physical activity, behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapy, as well as surgical procedures designed to induce substantial and sustained weight loss. When performed, bariatric surgery is often considered a metabolic intervention due to its effects on glucose metabolism and related conditions.

Bariatric surgery includes several procedures that restrict food intake or alter digestion. Common options are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. These procedures may reduce stomach capacity, change the route of food digestion, and influence hormonal signals that regulate appetite and satiety.

Non-surgical treatments remain central to long-term weight management and may involve structured lifestyle programs, dietary changes, physical activity, behavioral therapy, and obesity medications. In some cases, pharmacotherapy is used as an adjunct to lifestyle modification or in patients who do not achieve adequate weight loss with lifestyle changes alone.

Indications for bariatric treatment vary, but in adults surgery is typically considered for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35–39.9 with serious obesity-related health problems, after documented attempts at non-surgical weight loss. Selection is individualized and may involve preoperative evaluation, mental health assessment, and assessment of lifestyle readiness.

Risks include surgical complications, nutrient deficiencies, and potential weight regain; long-term success depends on lifelong follow-up, adherence to nutritional supplementation, and ongoing lifestyle changes. Outcomes often include substantial weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions.