Obesity is a disease in itself and it attracts many more diseases to people suffering from it. Just like being underweight is considered malnutrition so is being obese. Obese people lack micronutrients and macronutrients like vitamins, minerals, proteins which lead to weakness and lethargy.
The following common problems faced are :-
- Knee Pain
- Lethargy
- Difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in walking
- Depression and anxiety
Medical problems which mostly exist with obesity are :-
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypertension
- Cardiac Diseases/ Dyslipidemia
- Fatty Liver
- Stroke
- Osteoarthritis
- Gall stones
- Decreased life expectancy
Obese people who have multiple failed weight loss attempts with co-morbidities need to undergo Bariatric surgery. Now let’s learn about Bariatric surgery what it is?
A bariatric surgery is a life saving weight reducing surgery.
There are different types of Bariatric surgeries like :-
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Ballooning
- Mini Gastric Bypass
- Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (non surgical solution)
How does bariatric surgery solves the problem?
As mentioned above obesity leads to multiple health ailments so when one starts losing weight post surgery their health starts improving. There is a direct relationship between increasing BMI and relative risk of dying prematurely.
Bariatric surgery provides remission for Type 2 Diabetes-
Studies show that bariatric surgery improves glycemic control, to be precise it provides remission for diabetes.
Bariatric surgery improves Hypertension-
Hypertension cure requires lifestyle modification like weight loss, dietary modifications, exercise. Obese people mostly face sodium retention which leads to high blood pressure. This surgery will improve hypertension as well.
Bariatric Surgery relieves knee pain-
Obesity is the strongest predictor of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Studies have shown improvement in knee pain and function post-bariatric surgery secondary to weight loss and reduced mechanical loading.
Bariatric Surgery improves depression-
Obese people face societal rejection and body shaming which leads to negative thoughts, anxiety and even depression. So once they reduce weight and start feeling healthy they gain back their confidence leading to a healthy and happy life.
Bariatric Surgery improves OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea)-
When patients lose weight post bariatric surgery, the fatty tissue around the upper airway is decreased which can eliminate the upper airway collapse that occurs with sleep apnea.
Now it is clear that losing weight has multiple health benefits. Fight Obesity!
Author:
Garima Kapoor
Clinical Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator
InstaGram – nutritionistgarimakapoor
