Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Life Expectancy (Long Term) -

Obesity -

Obesity is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat, which can have negative effects on a person’s health. It is typically defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, although other factors such as waist circumference and body composition can also be used to diagnose obesity.

Obesity is a complex condition that can have a variety of causes, including genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors.

How obesity affects life expectancy?

There is a strong association between obesity and a reduced life expectancy. Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer. These conditions can significantly reduce a person’s lifespan.

Obesity can also increase the risk of developing other health problems, such as sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and depression, which can further reduce life expectancy. Moreover, obesity can make it difficult to manage chronic health conditions, leading to poorer health outcomes and a shorter lifespan.

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is an operative procedure for obese people that involves making changes in the digestive system by reducing the amount of food our stomach can hold or by limiting the absorption of nutrients in the body and sometimes both.

What is the effect of bariatric surgery on life expectancy:

Bariatric surgery can have a positive effect on life expectancy for individuals who are obese and have weight-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

Another study published in JAMA Surgery found that bariatric surgery patients had a 54% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to individuals who did not have surgery, this study also mentions that bariatric surgery had a greater improvement in diabetes control and reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases in individuals who underwent the surgery than those who received conventional medical treatment.

How does bariatric surgery improve overall health?

Reduced Mortality: Several studies have shown that bariatric surgery can reduce overall mortality rates in severely obese individuals. For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals who underwent bariatric surgery had a 40% reduction in overall mortality compared to those who did not have surgery. The study also found that bariatric surgery was associated with a reduced risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and other obesity-related causes.

Improved Comorbidities: Obesity is also a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce this risk. Bariatric surgery can also improve or resolve many obesity-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. This improvement in comorbidities can further reduce the risk of mortality and increase life expectancy.

Quality of Life: Bariatric surgery can also improve quality of life, which can indirectly increase life expectancy. For example, individuals who undergo bariatric surgery often experience improvements in mobility, self-esteem, and mental health, which can lead to increased physical activity, better nutrition, and reduced stress. These lifestyle changes can help to prevent chronic diseases and increase life expectancy. This also includes improvements in physical functioning, mental health, and social functioning.

Improved physical functioning: One of the potential benefits of bariatric surgery is improved mobility. Excess weight can put a significant amount of stress on the joints, making it difficult for individuals to move around and engage in physical activity. Losing weight through bariatric surgery can alleviate some of this stress and make it easier for individuals to move around and exercise.

Improved mental health : Bariatric surgery and other weight loss interventions may also have a positive impact on mental health. Many studies have shown that after bariatric surgery, patients experience significant improvements in their mental health, including a reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.

Improves fertility: Obesity can lead to a number of fertility problems, including irregular menstrual cycles, problems with ovulation, and increased risk of miscarriage. Obesity can also cause hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation, all of which can affect fertility in both men and women. Bariatric surgery can help to address these issues by promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health. Losing weight through bariatric surgery can help to improve these issues, which in turn can improve fertility.

Improvements in asthma control: There is evidence to suggest that bariatric surgery can improve asthma symptoms in obese individuals who also have asthma. Obesity is a known risk factor for asthma, and studies have shown that weight loss can lead to improvements in lung function and decreased asthma symptoms.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology showed that bariatric surgery led to improvements in asthma control and lung function in obese individuals with asthma.

The study found that weight loss after bariatric surgery was associated with reduced asthma medication use, decreased asthma symptoms, and improved lung function.

Conclusion :

It is important to note, that individuals who undergo the surgery must still make significant lifestyle changes and commit to long-term follow-up care to maintain the benefits of the surgery and that the extent to which bariatric surgery improves life expectancy can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s age, overall health status, and adherence to post-surgery lifestyle changes like diet and physical activities.