Based on the national representative survey data, Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES), the prevalence of obesity has been increasing in South Korea. The prevalence of obesity defined as having a BMI >=25 kg/m2 increased from 26.0percent in 1998 to 31.3percent in 2009. During the same period, the prevalence of severe obesity as having a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 increased markedly (from 2.4 percent to 4.7 percent). It is well known that obesity is more common in people with lower socioeconomic status, but social support has been very limited. All health services for the treatment of obesity including bariatric surgery are not covered by national health insurance in South Korea. 

Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness as well as effectiveness and safety of bariatric surgery in severely obese Korean people. In addition, we assessed the overall social difficulties on people living with obesity. This study would be helpful to understand the need of social support for people with severe obesity.