Report weighs merits of obesity treatments: surgery is indicated for weight loss in patients who have a body mass index of 40 kg/[m.sup.2] or more.(Rx)

Publication: Internal Medicine News

Publication Date: 15-DEC-04

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COPYRIGHT 2004 International Medical News Group

Food and Drug Administration-approved weight loss medications all promote weight loss when given along with recommendations for diet, according to a report released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

But surgical treatment of obesity is more effective than nonsurgical treatment in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/[m.sup.2] or greater.

These conclusions can be drawn only for adults because the existing medical literature "is almost bereft of data regarding either pharmaceutical or surgical treatment of adolescent and pediatric patients," the report summary states.

In order to compile the report, "Pharmacological and Surgical Treatment of Obesity," the AHRQ enlisted help from a...

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