Is It Time to Lower the Bar for Bariatric Surgery?

A new position statement from the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) recommends that surgery be also considered for patients with class 1 obesity (BMI 30-35 kg/m(2)) with significant comorbidity, who have failed nonsurgical obesity treatments. These recommendations reflect the arbitrary nature of current BMI-based recommendations. However, it is essential that this new approach be carefully assessed with regard to outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and impact on access to care for those with more severe obesity.