Abstract

Figures from the UK indicate that around 1 in 4 adults are obese (body mass index [BMI] above 30kg/m²) and 2% are morbidly obese (BMI above 40kg/m²).1 Being obese is associated with morbidity (e.g. type 2 diabetes mellitus, certain cancers, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases) and premature death.2^–6 Weight loss can reduce such problems and improve quality of life, but options such as dietary, lifestyle and drug interventions are often ineffective.7^–17 Here we consider the place of surgery in the management of adults with obesity.