Bariatric group assumes new name

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The American Society for Bariatric Surgery has adopted a new name to reflect findings that suggest such surgery can also treat metabolic diseases.

Bariatric surgery is known to be an effective and long lasting treatment for morbid obesity and many related conditions, said Dr. Kelvin Higa, president of the newly named American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. But he says such procedures might also be among the most effective treatments for metabolic diseases and conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnea.

"Surgery for severe obesity goes way beyond weight loss," said Higa, a professor at the University of California-San Francisco. "This surgery results in the complete remission or significant improvement of type 2 diabetes and other life-threatening diseases in most patients. The Society's new name and mission reflects this expanded and evolving view of surgery."

The 25-year-old organization, based in Gainesville, Fla., has nearly 3,000 members, including surgeons, nurses, psychologists, dieticians and other health professionals.