Metabolic Effects of Bariatric Surgery

The number of obese people in the world has risen significantly over the past three decades. Obesity is associated with severe health comorbidities and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Even with aggressive pharmacotherapy, obese patients will have substantial poor health outcomes. Bariatric surgery has been used more often during the last 10 years as it has been shown to be safe and effective in decreasing weight. The term "metabolic surgery" has recently emerged from the recognition that the effects of surgery on comorbidities extended beyond weight loss. Most patients suffering from metabolic disorders will obtain significant improvements after surgery.