Bariatric Surgery Is Superior to Medical Management for Weight Loss

Recent randomized trials have shown that bariatric surgery is more effective than nonsurgical therapy for various outcomes (e.g., weight loss, resolution of diabetes) in obese patients. In a meta-analysis of 11 randomized trials (nearly 800 obese participants; baseline body-mass index [BMI] range, 30–52 kg/m²), investigators summarized and quantified the effects of bariatric surgery compared with nonsurgical treatment. Follow-up ranged from 40 weeks to 2 years.

Compared with individuals randomized to nonsurgical treatment (i.e., diet, exercise, behavioral modification, medications), those randomized to bariatric surgery lost significantly more weight (mean difference, −26 kg) and were significantly more likely to experience remission of type…