Research shows that traditional treatment options, such as diet, exercise, and behavior modification, are relatively ineffective in helping patients with morbid obesity achieve and maintain weight loss over the long term.
A weight loss program involving weight loss surgery is typically more effective, providing the longest period of sustained weight loss in patients for whom all other options failed.
How effective is weight loss surgery compared to other treatment options? The following table shows the three main treatment options for morbid obesity and their success rates over a 5-year period.
Treatment |
% Excess Body Weight Loss |
| Medication | 0% - 7% |
| Diet and Exercise | 0% to 5% |
| Bariatric Surgery | 60% to 90% |