Standardizing outcomes in metabolic bariatric surgery - more than meets the eye, less than counts the scale

Abstract

The era of precision medicine necessitates standardization in reporting outcomes, in order to provide a common ground of communication among specialists and yield objective measurements at the same time. Although metabolic bariatric surgery spearheads innovation and standardization with regard to technique, this is not the case when measuring outcomes, particularly regarding weight recurrence. The multitude of definitions of weight regain and insufficient weight loss stems not only from a lack of consensus but also from the inherent deficiencies of weight- and BMI-based formulas to incorporate a global and comprehensive assessment for obesity. In this Perspective, we investigate current knowledge as well as potential amendments that will ameliorate our ability to assess weight recurrence and improve the services that we offer to people living with obesity.