A Population-Based Study of Bariatric Surgery Trends in Australia: Variations Reflect Continuing Inequities in Access to Surgery

Bariatric surgery rates continue to increase, particularly among females, despite similar obesity prevalence between sexes. Most surgery is conducted in the private sector, suggesting differential access based on financial circumstances. Rates are highest in younger people, although obesity-related comorbidities increase with age. Regional patients undergo surgery at higher rates than rural patients despite greater obesity prevalence with increasing rurality. Efforts to address these disparities are essential to improve equitable access to obesity treatments.