Diabetes Obesity-Related Diseases Bariatric Surgery as a Treatment Almost 25 percent of Americans are obese, and

of the adult population is morbidly obese, meaning they are 100 pounds or more above their ideal body weight. Morbid obesity is associated with the development of multiple life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease. Combating obesity has been approached through dieting, medications, behavioral modifi cation and exercise. The only treatment for morbid obesity proven to be consistently effective in the long-run, however, is bariatric surgery. Diabetes Linked to Obesity Obesity is a very important factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. This disease is marked by high levels of sugar (glucose