Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery is one of the most popular options for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. Bariatric surgery was made famous with the 1999 surgery of Wilson Phillips singer Carnie Wilson.

Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some operations, interrupting the digestive process. As in other treatments for obesity, the best results with bariatric surgery are achieved with healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activity.