Bariatric surgery versus non-surgical treatment for obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

To quantify the overall effects of bariatric surgery compared with non-surgical treatment for obesity.

Systematic review and meta-analysis based on a random effects model. DATA SOURCES: Searches of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from their inception to December 2012 regardless of language or publication status. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials with ≥ 6 months of follow-up that included individuals with a body mass index ≥ 30, compared current bariatric surgery techniques with non-surgical treatment, and reported on body weight, cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, or adverse events.