Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift für alle Gebiete der operativen Medizen
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Obesity, defined as a body mass index of > or =30 kg/m(2), is a modern epidemic and is increasing worldwide. Depending on genetic make-up, lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial conditions are the main determinants of its manifestation and severity. ⋯ For this reason, there is a need for evidence-based treatment considering the individual risk. For patients with extreme obesity exceeding a BMI of 40 kg/m(2), surgical intervention is the most effective treatment, not only to improve most somatic and psychological comorbidities significantly but also to prolong life.