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 they 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?