Final answer:
Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss intervention usually recommended for severely obese individuals who have not succeeded with other methods. The statement that it is the most effective treatment for someone needing to lose more than 20 pounds is false; it is typically reserved for those with greater weight-loss needs and associated health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that bariatric surgery is currently considered the most effective treatment for someone who needs to lose more than 20 pounds is mostly false. Bariatric surgery is indeed a highly effective weight-loss surgery for obesity, but it is typically recommended for those who are severely obese and have not had success with other weight-loss methods, including diet and exercise. Therefore, the answer would be "d) Only for those with severe obesity." The eligibility for bariatric surgery is based on body mass index (BMI) criteria and other health condition considerations.
There are various types of bariatric surgery, such as stomach stapling, lap band, and gastric sleeve, each differing in how they modify the stomach to reduce food intake and/or nutrient absorption. For example, the Roux-En-Y procedure creates a small pouch in the stomach and connects it directly to the jejunum, bypassing the stomach and duodenum.
Bariatric surgery has shown to be more effective than non-surgical treatments in the short term, but long-term studies are still lacking. Along with weight loss, other benefits may include improvement in or resolution of comorbid conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. However, it is important to note that bariatric surgery carries significant risks and is generally considered a last resort after other methods have failed.