Bariatric surgery is primarily intended for which group of people?

Bariatric surgery is designed primarily for individuals who are very obese, typically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. The goal of this type of surgery is to help these individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health, which can be especially critical for those struggling with severe obesity.

The procedure involves various surgical techniques that alter the digestive system to limit food intake and/or nutrient absorption, leading to sustained weight loss over time. This targeted approach is necessary because very obese individuals often face considerable health risks and challenges that can be alleviated through substantial weight reduction.

Moderate weight issues and conditions of being underweight do not typically pose the same health risks or require surgical intervention as severe obesity does. Similarly, not all individuals who seek weight loss are candidates for bariatric surgery, as it is generally reserved for those who have not had success with non-surgical weight loss methods and who face significant health challenges due to their weight.