6 Reasons how Bariatric Surgery prevents Cancer - Aastha Bariatrics

Medically reviewed by Dr. Manish Motwani, Bariatric & Metabolic Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgeon — Curated by Asmita Jaiswal

Obesity is not just some extra kgs, but a medical condition. It is a disease that brings along, several other disorders in the body. Diabetes, hypertension, high triglycerides. All such non-communicable diseases come along. These conditions are chronic and worsen with time. Heart diseases, PCOD, infertility as well as CANCER. These are some mentally and physically challenging conditions that obesity can invite.

As per research, obese individuals are 2-4 times more likely to have cancer. Obese women are 2-7 times more likely to develop endometrial cancer.

Gallstones and fatty liver are often seen in obese individuals. This constant inflammation is responsible for several cancers.

How does obesity cause cancer?

Obesity causes constant chronic inflammation in the body.
There is increased oxidative stress occurring in the body leading to DNA damage.
Obesity impairs insulin functioning, leading to type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes in itself promotes cancer.
Obesity impairs the immune response against the tumor cells.
Further, adipose mass releases its own set of hormones. Hormones like leptin are released in excess due to high adipose mass in obesity. This causes anomalous cell proliferation. Thus, promoting tumor formation.

Looking at the above data, we can conclude. Obesity is one of the major reasons for cancer in several individuals. Obesity is chronic and prompted by constant unhealthy lifestyle issues. You were born with a capable body to fight several lifestyle diseases. But obesity impairs the capability of your body. It suppresses the ability to fight cancer or inhibit tumors. There is a possibility that obesity runs in your family. But, your epigenetics (environmental factors) make a huge difference as well.

How can we treat this?

We can treat this, by having a body mass index (BMI) of a normal range. This indicates having a weight in the normal range as per your height.

BMI range	Weight Status
18.5-23	Normal weight
23-27.5	Overweight
≥ 27.5	Obese
27- 29.5	Grade 1 obesity
30- 34.5	Grade 2 obesity
35- 39.5	Grade 3 obesity
Above 40	Morbid obesity

If you fall into the category of overweight or slightly obese. Diet and lifestyle modifications can help you lose weight. But once your BMI reaches more than 30, it becomes very difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Even if your try extra hard to lose weight, your body will regain the extra weight. This phenomenon is known as the set-point theory. Our body tries to maintain the weight in a certain range throughout adulthood.

Research says weight loss can reduce the chances of several cancers. Breast, endometrial, and prostate cancer can be prevented with weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

Bariatric surgery saves the day!

Obesity can be easily battled with bariatric surgery. The scientific solution for long-term weight loss. With the medical invention of the laparoscope. Weight loss surgery is even more convenient. Progressive and substantial weight loss occurs post-surgery. All the accumulated fat mass is utilized to give energy. This reduction in the fat mass helps in preventing several lifestyle diseases.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Manish Motwani, Bariatric & Metabolic Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgeon — Curated by Asmita Jaiswal