Can Weight Loss Surgery Add Years to Your Life?
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 already had health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
What researchers uncovered is very encouraging for those considering weight loss surgery to help improve their overall health while increasing their odds for longer-term survival. They found bariatric surgery resulted in a 53 percent lower risk from dying from any cause five to 14 years out from the procedure. That means even those with preexisting conditions may realize very positive benefits from undergoing surgery to help them lose weight and keep it off. Keep in mind there are no guarantees in life, but studies are showing highly positive results in regard to weight loss surgery and its ability to increase the odds in a person’s favor.
Weight loss surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. There are a number of options available, ranging from reversible lap band procedures to more intensive gastric bypass operations. To fully explore the potential, be sure to consult with a licensed bariatric surgeon for the best recommendations for weight loss in your personal case.
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 already had health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
What researchers uncovered is very encouraging for those considering weight loss surgery to help improve their overall health while increasing their odds for longer-term survival. They found bariatric surgery resulted in a 53 percent lower risk from dying from any cause five to 14 years out from the procedure. That means even those with preexisting conditions may realize very positive benefits from undergoing surgery to help them lose weight and keep it off. Keep in mind there are no guarantees in life, but studies are showing highly positive results in regard to weight loss surgery and its ability to increase the odds in a person’s favor.
Weight loss surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. There are a number of options available, ranging from reversible lap band procedures to more intensive gastric bypass operations. To fully explore the potential, be sure to consult with a licensed bariatric surgeon for the best recommendations for weight loss in your personal case.
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