Mixed
Bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty, or banding) produces sustained long-term weight loss and significantly improves or resolves type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperuricemia over a 10-year period compared to conventional non-surgical treatment.
For individuals with severe obesity (BMI >= 34 for men, >= 38 for women), bariatric surgery offers a proven, long-term solution for weight loss and improvement in major cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes and hypertension. Unlike conventional lifestyle interventions, which often fail to produce sustained weight loss, surgery leads to a significant and lasting reduction in body weight and a lower incidence of metabolic diseases over a 10-year period. While surgery carries risks, the long-term health benefits for eligible candidates are substantial and superior to non-surgical treatments.
As compared with conventional therapy, bariatric surgery appears to be a viable option for the treatment of severe obesity, resulting in long-term weight loss, improved lifestyle, and, except for hypercholesterolemia, amelioration in risk factors that were elevated at baseline.
Why this rating
Large prospective, controlled trial (SOS Study) with 10-year follow-up, large sample size (N=1703 for 10-year analysis), and rigorous matching.
Source
Lifestyle, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors 10 Years after Bariatric Surgery
Lars Sjöström et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2004
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