Weight Loss Surgery Can Reduce Mortality Rates, Study Finds
As an estimated third of all American adults struggle with their weight, many do so with the threat of serious health-related complications driving them forward. Obesity has been strongly linked to heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer, among other concerns. Those who undergo bariatric surgery to assist in weight loss may find their risk of mortality declines as pounds are shed.
The mortality-related benefits of weight loss surgery were recently looked at by researchers. The goal was to determine if gastric bypass surgery had an impact on mortality rates. All told, researchers looked at nearly 8,000 patients who had gastric bypasses performed and nearly 8,000 obese patients who did not. The study found that patients age 35 to 44 were 46 percent less likely to die from any cause in the seven years following surgery than patients who did not have surgery. The numbers rose even higher for patients between the ages of 45 and 54. Of note, researchers found that younger patients, especially women, did not necessarily see similar results.
Bariatric surgery, such as the gastric bypass, is considered an option of last resort for people who are seriously obese. In most cases, a person will have to have obesity-related health conditions and a body mass index of at least 35 to be considered a candidate for such a procedure. A BMI of 40 or above, with or without health conditions present, is also a marker for candidacy. Researchers have found that weight loss prompted by bariatric surgery can lower the risks of heart disease and some forms of cancer while also preventing diabetes. For those who already have diabetes, surgery may improve or even reverse symptoms.
People who are obese are urged to discuss all weight loss options with their healthcare providers. Bariatric surgery may be a viable option for some who have exhausted all other options for losing weight.
The mortality-related benefits of weight loss surgery were recently looked at by researchers. The goal was to determine if gastric bypass surgery had an impact on mortality rates. All told, researchers looked at nearly 8,000 patients who had gastric bypasses performed and nearly 8,000 obese patients who did not. The study found that patients age 35 to 44 were 46 percent less likely to die from any cause in the seven years following surgery than patients who did not have surgery. The numbers rose even higher for patients between the ages of 45 and 54. Of note, researchers found that younger patients, especially women, did not necessarily see similar results.
Bariatric surgery, such as the gastric bypass, is considered an option of last resort for people who are seriously obese. In most cases, a person will have to have obesity-related health conditions and a body mass index of at least 35 to be considered a candidate for such a procedure. A BMI of 40 or above, with or without health conditions present, is also a marker for candidacy. Researchers have found that weight loss prompted by bariatric surgery can lower the risks of heart disease and some forms of cancer while also preventing diabetes. For those who already have diabetes, surgery may improve or even reverse symptoms.
People who are obese are urged to discuss all weight loss options with their healthcare providers. Bariatric surgery may be a viable option for some who have exhausted all other options for losing weight.
Comments
Post a Comment