A new year, a new beginning.
With the arrival of 2023, many of us use this annual change of the calendar year to stop and think about where we have been, and where we’re going. It’s a chance to reflect on our wellbeing and plan improvements to the quality of our lives by taking aim at improving our health.
For many, weight loss is one such health-improvement goal. For those suffering from obesity, this can be a daunting task. The complexity of our body’s weight-regulation mechanisms is challenging to conquer. The dangers of elevated body weight often sneak into life slowly. The number on the scale may be just the first sign of more serious health issues on the horizon.
What are the dangers of obesity?
The metabolic dysfunction that occurs in obesity leads to something doctors call “metabolic syndrome.” This results in a cluster of related health problems that can include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Cancer
This is where the health consequences of obesity go further than just the weight itself. It’s important to remember that obesity is a disease that alters our body’s metabolism. Metabolism is the set of life sustaining chemical reactions that regulate our body’s energy consumption, energy expenditure, and energy storage
What can I do to address obesity?
Studies have consistently shown that the most significant and long-lasting method of achieving weight loss for patients suffering from significant obesity is weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery or metabolic surgery. Although all these names are referring to the same set of surgical procedures, I feel that the term “metabolic surgery” best encompasses the true purpose and potential of what surgical weight loss can offer. More than just a procedure to lower weight, metabolic surgery is about lowering the risks of chronic medical conditions and premature death that occur with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
What are the long-term health benefits of surgical weight loss?
Many patients are unaware of the degree to which bariatric surgery can positively impact their overall health. Instead of a future of lifelong medication for chronic illnesses, surgical weight loss often helps to resolve several medical conditions, including:
• Migraines: 57% resolved
• Depression: 55% resolved
• High Blood Pressure: 52-92% resolved
• Heart Disease: 82% risk reduction
• Asthma: 82% improved or resolved
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 74-98% resolved
• High Cholesterol: 63% resolved
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: 90% improved
• Metabolic Syndrome: 80% resolved
• Type 2 Diabetes: 83% resolved
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 72-98% resolved
• Degenerative Joint Disease 41% - 76% resolved
• Polycystic Ovarian Dysfunction: Nearly 100% resolution of menstrual dysfunction
• Abnormal Hair Growth: 79% resolution
• Venous Stasis Disease: 95% resolved
• Gout: 77% resolved
• Quality of life improvement: 95%
• Risk of death within the next 5 years: 89% decrease
How do I get started?
The complexity of obesity and metabolic syndrome treatment deserves the support of an experienced multidisciplinary team. At the Center for Surgical Weight Loss at Care New England, patients have a comprehensive center for their weight loss surgery journey of weight-loss surgery.
To get started on your weight-loss surgery journey visit: www.carenewengland.org/bariatric/
Disclaimer: While I am a doctor, I am not your doctor. The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider, or seek immediate medical treatment.