Nicholson Clinic

Many people understand that obesity can shave years off their life expectancies courtesy of a host of negative medical conditions it can promote. From increasing chances for the development of diabetes to rising cancer and heart disease risks, carrying around extra pounds just isn’t good for the health. It’s been long established that losing weight can help lower those risks, but can losing it courtesy of bariatric surgery help, as well? Studies have indicated a strong link between bariatric surgery and longer-term survival rates for both men and women. Most recently, researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine dove into the topic by conducting a study involving 2,500 patients and 7,500 matched controls. The study group involved mostly men (74 percent) and mostly older people with a median age of about 52. While previous studies focused on younger women, researchers wanted to see if bariatric surgery had positive lifespan effects on older people, many of which alr...

Chronic obesity is an issue that can cause ripple effects on health that ultimately lead to shorter lifespans. But, can bariatric surgery designed to help people lose weight once and for all and keep it off really make a difference? Research published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicates that yes, indeed, it can. The latest round of study involves 2,500 patients and nearly 7,500 matched controls who were all receiving care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs system. Researchers found that patients who are obese tended to live longer after having surgery to assist with weight loss than those who don’t. In fact, there was a 53 percent lower risk of dying from any cause at five to 14 years out from a weight loss procedure. While previous studies have been conducted showing a link between surgery and longer-term survival rates, the focus of the VA-based research conducted by the University of Washington School of Medicine was diff...