A. Defining Bariatric Surgery and Its Role in Weight Management

Bariatric Surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is a group of surgical procedures designed to help individuals with severe obesity lose weight and improve their overall health. These procedures work by altering the digestive system, either by restricting the amount of food that can be consumed or by bypassing portions of the small intestine, thus reducing nutrient absorption.

Bariatric surgery is considered a last-resort treatment for obesity, typically recommended only after multiple attempts at non-surgical weight loss methods have failed. It is a major surgical procedure that carries risks and requires a significant lifestyle commitment to maintain weight loss and achieve optimal health outcomes.

B. Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Health Risks in USA