The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) have recommended changes to weight loss surgery eligibility for the first time in 30 years.
The ASMBS and IFSO are now recommending weight loss surgery for anyone with a body mass index (BMI) over 35, regardless of obesity-related health conditions. The previous guidelines required an individual to have a BMI of at least 40, or a BMI of 35+ and at least one obesity-related health condition such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
The new guidelines for weight loss surgery eligibility also includes:
- People with type 2 diabetes that have a starting BMI of 30, previously it was a BMI of 35.
- The BMI for people of Asian descent has dropped to 27.5 because they often have weight related health problems starting at a lower body mass.
Some children and adolescents who have been excluded from weight loss surgery in the past are now eligible, specifically those with a BMI greater than 140% of the 95th percentile, or greater than 120% of the 95th percentile and a comorbidity, may be evaluated.
GUIDELINE OVERHAUL
The ASMBS and IFSO decided to overhaul the guidelines pointing to multiple studies over the past three decades that show weight loss surgery has evolved and been proven to be a safe, effective treatment for severe obesity.
Obesity is now considered a chronic disease that is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state and immune dysfunction.
The guidelines state that metabolic and bariatric surgery is currently the most effective evidence-based treatment for obesity across all BMI classes and has been proven to help reverse or improve many weight related health conditions.
Some of those conditions include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea
- Joint Pain
- Type 2 diabetes
- Asthma
The two groups of bariatric surgeons added that the previous guidelines don’t take into account the growing levels of obesity. CDC reports show over 42% of Americans are considered obese, the highest rate ever in the U.S.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS
SURGERY?
While the guidelines for weight loss surgery have changed, insurance companies have yet to follow suit. Bariatric surgery is not universally covered by insurance companies, and you will need to speak to your health insurance
provider to determine your eligibilty.
If you are interested in learning more about weight loss surgery, contact us today with any questions, concerns, or next steps you may have.
Here at Roller Weight Loss and Advanced Surgery we are known as the most advanced and experienced bariatric surgical group in the region. We have performed custom weight loss surgeries on patients from 47 out of 50 states, with many patients flying in from other states to change their lives for the better.
We look forward to guiding you on your weight loss journey.
