Effects of bariatric surgery on obesity
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Obesity has grown to be a global pandemic, posing severe health risks, and in the United States, it affects more than two in five adults. Individuals with severe obesity may see their life expectancy reduced by 5 to 20 years. This condition is simply defined as having an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, and assessing its health risks is more accurately done by evaluating fat distribution rather than relying solely on Body Mass Index. In addition to BMI, key metrics such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio are essential in this assessment. The King’s Obesity Staging Criteria (KOSC) offers a thorough evaluation of obesity, taking into account physical, psychological, socioeconomic, and functional domains. Obesity is linked to a wide range of comorbidities, which include Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiovascular Disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia, and various forms of cancer—all of which are influenced by fat distribution and hormonal factors. While lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of non-invasive treatment, their effectiveness is largely dependent on patient commitment. This can be enhanced through FDA-approved medications, although these can be prohibitively expensive. Bariatric surgery, more specifically Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, serves as an effective long-term treatment option. These surgical procedures have been shown to significantly reduce excess weight, lower mortality rates, and improve associated comorbidities. However, some patients may experience Insufficient Weight Loss (IWL) or Weight Regain (WR) following surgery. Therefore, it is crucial to pair bariatric surgery with lifestyle modifications, regular physical activity, nutritional counseling, pharmacotherapy, and mental health support to achieve sustained weight management.
Description
2025