Bariatric Surgery in Older Adults

Obesity prevalence is increasing worldwide affecting up to 30% of adults. Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, because it provides induction and maintenance of weight loss largely more than non-operative therapies. Controversy exists regarding the effectiveness and safety of bariatric surgery in older patients due to its safety. However, current evidence supports bariatric surgery for patients over 60 years old, because of the clear benefits. Outcomes are inferior to the younger adults, but improvement of comorbidities is relevant. Also, mortality and complication rates are higher than in younger patients but still acceptable when balanced with the clinical benefits. Minimally invasive procedures are preferred, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy seems to be the safest one. Thus, age alone should not exclude obese older patients from bariatric surgery.