Bariatric treatment encompasses medical interventions designed to aid weight loss and improve health in individuals with severe obesity. Severe obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher with comorbidities, or a BMI of 40 or higher without comorbidities, can significantly increase the risk of various health problems, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and heart disease.

Bariatric treatment options include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, behavioral therapy, medication, and surgical procedures. Surgical interventions, known as bariatric surgery, are typically reserved for individuals who have not achieved adequate weight loss through nonsurgical methods and who meet specific criteria.

There are several types of bariatric surgeries, each with its own benefits and risks. The most common procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. These surgeries work by reducing the size of the stomach, restricting food intake, and/or altering the digestive process to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health.

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix or a cosmetic procedure; it is a tool to help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss and improve overall health. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery are typically required to make significant lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and attending regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.