ABSTRACT
The prevalence of obesity is increasing in epidemic proportions in westernized societies. Unfortunately treatment options remain limited for this potentially deadly disease. For years, obesity has been treated with behavior modification programs. Recent data demonstrates that less than 5% of adults who are significantly overweight can maintain weight loss. Surgical options, which include both gastric restrictive and malabsorptive procedures, have reduced the number and severity of co-morbidities in this population by providing sustained weight loss. However, with surgery, there is the potential for short-term and long-term complications. New approaches to weight loss are necessary.
