Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that encompasses the study of overweight and obesity, its causes, prevention and treatment. People who have problems losing and maintaining their weight, and who have also developed associated diseases, are recommended to see a bariatric doctor, who may consider bariatric surgery as a treatment.

bariatric specialist, who may consider bariatric surgery as the treatment of choice.

For support in these interventions it is important to have a multidisciplinary team capable of evaluating the patient before surgery and thus offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment as well as long-term follow-up to optimize results. Therefore, when choosing bariatric surgery as a treatment for obesity, it is essential to have a comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluation by a team of specialists with training and experience in the bariatric management of overweight and obesity.

Among the specialists that make up this group, there should be the participation of a nutritionist with a specialty in bariatrics since he/she has the ability to understand the biological, psychological and social environment that the patient with obesity faces, in addition to possessing knowledge of the different surgical procedures and their effects on the digestive system for a better nutritional intervention before, during and after bariatric surgery.

Sources:

Mechanick JI, et al. Obesity 2020;28:O1-58.

Yumuk V, et al. Obes Facts 2015;8:402-24