The microbiota and bariatric surgery: It's a bug's life

摘要

Obesity, one of the great pandemics of our time, is a major threat to public health and a challenge to health care resources. This complex syndrome is influenced by host susceptibility and by environmental or lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity. Obesity is associated with a number of serious health consequences, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and a variety of cancers (Mayo Clin Proc 2006;81[suppl]:S5-S10) and has been repeatedly shown to be associated with an increased risk of mortality (Gastroenterology 2007;132:2087-2210).