Intermountain Health study shows weight-loss surgery can be potentially life-saving - KSL.com

Weight-loss surgery has existed for years and the study conducted by Intermountain Health looked at examining the effectiveness and safety of such procedures.

With these in mind, Richards said that he's excited for what this study means for the future of weight-loss treatment and curbing the obesity epidemic.

This study not only shows that people who have weight-loss surgery have less chance of dying from heart-related disease, diabetes and cancer, but that the benefits are durable and last for years — there is staying power.

"This study not only shows that people who have weight-loss surgery have less chance of dying from heart-related disease, diabetes and cancer, but that the benefits are durable and last for years — there is staying power," said Ted Adams, principal author of the study from the Intermountain Health surgical specialties/digestive health clinical program and adjunct associate professor in nutrition and physiology at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

"It underscores the importance of caring for the whole patient during the weight loss journey and really focusing on mental health care pre- and post-operatively to make sure patients understand the changes associated with surgery, weight loss and have the behavioral skills necessary to handle these changes," Richards said.

Logan Stefanich is a reporter with KSL.com, covering southern Utah communities, education, business and military news.