Evidence-based bariatric surgery

Abstract

An obesity epidemic exists throughout the developed and much of the developing world.1-4 Obesity, typically measured as body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 or higher, has three subclasses: obesity 1 (30-34.9); obesity 2 (35-39.9); and extreme obesity (>40). Extreme or morbid obesity is increasing particularly rapidly in the United States and may have the potential of decreasing life expectancy.5-7 From 1986 to 2000, the prevalence of BMI of 30 or more doubled, whereas that of BMI of 40 or more quadrupled, and even extreme obesity, BMI of 50 or more, increased fivefold.2 Of particular concern is the alarming increasing prevalence of obesity among children, suggesting that the epidemic will worsen before it improves.1 © 2008 Springer New York.