The field encompasses dieting, exercise and behavioral therapy approaches to weight loss, as well as pharmacotherapy and surgery.
[3][4] There are many detrimental health effects of obesity:[5][6] Individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) exceeding a healthy range have a much greater risk of medical issues.
[7] These include heart disease, diabetes mellitus, many types of cancer, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic musculoskeletal problems.
[16] A meta-analysis of 174772 participants published in The Lancet in 2021 found that bariatric surgery was associated with 59% and 30% reduction in all-cause mortality among obese adults with or without type 2 diabetes respectively.
Techniques used in bariatrics include bioelectrical impedance analysis, a method to measure body fat percentage.