We surveyed adults with BMIs over 35%, asking: Gastric bypass surgery is known to successfully aid in needed weight loss for overweight and obese people, contributing to a state of perfect health. However, there are risks associated with it. Would you do this surgery (cost aside), knowing that the risk of death is X%? We started at a risk of 10% and worked our way down until we reached the level where most people surveyed responded YES. The mean risk that people surveyed were willing to assume was 2%. This translated to a utility value of ______.

• The mean age of respondents was 47 and were expected to live, on average to an age of 77. With the surgery, they could live a healthy life up to 81 years old. How many QALYs does this surgery offer?
• If the average cost to perform the surgery is $23,000, what is the cost per QALY for this procedure?
• It is estimated that a diet and exercise program offers about $12,500 per QALY. Which approach is considered to be most cost effective? In addition to cost effectiveness, what other factors do you feel should be taken into account as we develop and offer an array of treatments and other approaches for obesity?