title: Is it time to lower the bar for bariatric surgery?
abstract: A new position statement from the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) recommends that surgery be also considered for patients with class 1 obesity (BMI 30-35 kg/m(2)) with significant comorbidity, who have failed nonsurgical obesity treatments. These recommendations reflect the arbitrary nature of current BMI-based recommendations. However, it is essential that this new approach be carefully assessed with regard to outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and impact on access to care for those with more severe obesity.
authors.affiliation: Obesity Research and Management, University of Alberta, Li Ka Shing Building, Rm 1-116, 87th Avenue and 112th Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada, amsharm@ualberta.ca.
authors.forename: Arya M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D015897:Comorbidity; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000145:classification* / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery; D018570:Risk Assessment