Obesity is affecting more and more adults and children. The risks of obesity are widely documented, and are not just limited to physical side effects. If you have tried losing weight but cannot get down to a healthy weight, then you might want to consider weight loss surgery. Constant weight gain will only lead to more risk factors associated with obesity. For the latest health information pertaining to obesity and weight loss surgery, please contact us to book the next available consultation.
1. Obesity as a health risk factor
Terms such as morbidly overweight or obesity refer to people who are significantly overweight, with a high level or percentage of body fat. Obesity in adults is typically measured according to a person’s body mass index (BMI). Although a person’s BMI cannot be used on its own as a diagnostic tool, it is a useful indication of whether or not you are a healthy weight.
Obesity puts you at an increased risk of developing a range of health problems, including:
- type 2 diabetes
- hypertension
- coronary heart disease and stroke
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- gall bladder disease
- osteoarthritis
- several types of cancer
- sleep apnea
- metabolic syndrome
- and many other chronic diseases.
One of the greatest risks of obesity is a reduced life expectancy. Depending on its severity, obesity reduces life expectancy by an average of 3 to 10 years.
2. The emotional risks of obesity
In addition to the physical risks of obesity, there is a significant toll on one’s mental well-being. Some of the common emotional health risks of obesity include psychological problems such as:
- depression
- anxiety
- feeling isolated
- poor self-image
- low self-esteem
- feelings shame and guilt
3. The financial risks of obesity
Whether from physical disabilities or other effects of being overweight, obesity has been known to interfere with people’s occupational functioning, leading to lower work achievement. In addition, discrimination and stereotypes surrounding obesity can have a negative impact on a person’s employment opportunities. Both of these factors are associated with a lower income bracket.
There are added costs too. If you are obese, you will likely face significant medical bills, and your insurance premiums will be much higher because of the risks associated with obesity.
4. The social risks of obesity
The psychological risks of obesity can have a direct impact on a person’s relationships with friends and family. Many people with obesity prefer to avoid public places, and tend to have fewer friends. To make matters worse, people who are obese can face discrimination based on their weight and appearance.
5. The impact of obesity on quality of life
There are many daily activities that are severely impacted by obesity. Everyday difficulties associated with obesity include:
- breathlessness
- increased perspiration
- snoring
- difficulties with any physical activity
- persistent tiredness
- joint and back pain
- poor quality of life
6. The dangers of weight-loss surgery
7. Making the decision to have weight loss surgery
If someone has tried other treatment options for morbid obesity but is still struggling to lose weight, then bariatric surgery is an excellent option. Bariatric (weight loss) surgery is incredibly effective, and is therefore recommended when all other treatments have failed and in cases where someone is struggling with serious weight-related health issues.
If you are considering bariatric surgery, you will need to make an appointment with an experienced bariatric surgeon for thorough medical screening.
8. What to expect after weight loss surgery
Each patient is different. However, it is likely that you will need to spend a few days in hospital after your surgery. When they are discharged, many patients require assistance at home while they continue to recover from the procedure.
After bariatric surgery, you will need to commit to adhering to a healthier lifestyle. This includes following a healthy balanced diet and exercising on a regular basis. In addition, your weight and medical conditions will need to be regularly monitored.
9. The risks of not having weight loss surgery
Not having weight loss surgery has many risks. If you are unable to reduce your weight and get down to a healthy weight, you have a significantly higher chance of experiencing physical, emotional, financial, and social complications. In addition, severe obesity has been conclusively linked to increased mortality. The mortality risk of morbid obesity is much higher than that of bariatric surgery.
10. How to reduce the risks of obesity?
The best way to address obesity is by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as following a balanced diet and partaking in regular exercise. However, these measures do not always lead to a healthy weight, especially if a person’s BMI exceeds 35. In addition, you might still suffer from serious weight-related health issues.
If all other options have failed, the best option is bariatric surgery. Although it is referred to as weight loss surgery, it is more than losing weight. It is about getting you down to a sustainable healthy weight, reducing medical comorbidities and, in some cases, resolving weight-related medical problems. Importantly, bariatric surgery will give you a much better overall quality of life – improving your physical, financial, social, and emotional health.
Contact us to book a consultation with Dr Mastakov, a highly skilled surgeon who specialises in bariatric surgery.
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