The data is clear that the risk/benefit equation of “operations versus nonoperative treatment” tips in favor of an operation at a BMI of 35 or greater. In fact, recent studies show that an operation may even be the preferred treatment for people with type 2 diabetes with a BMI between 30 and 35. (Confirmation studies are ongoing in this lower BMI group.)
For the first time in the history of the United States, the current generation of teens and preteens are predicted to have a shorter lifespan than their parents. This decrease in life expectancy is directly due to obesity.