IN 1988 TO 1991, 33.4% of US adults aged 20 years or older were estimated to be overweight (at least an increase of 24% for men and 20% for women above ideal body weight).1 Obesity is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, including diabetes, cerebral and cardiovascular disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea.2,3 In a large group of severely or morbidly obese patients, 40% of men and