Annual review of medicine
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Obesity is perhaps the most significant public health problem facing the United States today. Obese patients are at increased risk for numerous medical problems, which can adversely affect surgical outcome. ⋯ Obese patients can be treated as safely and effectively as their normal weight counterparts under most circumstances and should not be denied surgical treatment for any disorder when surgery constitutes the most appropriate therapy. When indicated, surgical treatment should be considered for patients with clinically severe obesity, since currently it appears to offer the best long-term results for weight control and amelioration of comorbidity.