In a world where obesity is a major health problem, a glimmer of hope is emerging. Bariatric surgery could reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers by more than half, according to a new study. This discovery could change the lives of millions of people around the world.
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to help obese people lose weight. It is generally recommended for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or for those who have a BMI of 35 or more and have obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes. type 2 or high blood pressure.
Bariatric surgery and cancer risk
A significant reduction in risk
According to a recent study presented at the Digestive Disease Week 2023 conference , bariatric surgery could reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers by more than half over a period of ten years. This study, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, adds to a growing body of research showing that bariatric surgery can help reduce obesity-related cancer risk.
A large-scale study
The study involved more than 100,000 participants, making it a larger-scale study than others that have focused on weight reduction procedures reducing cancer associated with obesity. The study's ten-year duration also exceeds that of most other research on the subject.
Encouraging results
Researchers reported that 4% of people who had the operation developed obesity-related cancers, compared with almost 9% of those who did not. These results are encouraging and may encourage more obese people to consider bariatric surgery as a viable option to reduce their cancer risk.
Other benefits of bariatric surgery
In addition to reducing cancer risk, bariatric surgery has also been shown to reduce heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and gout, while increasing the risk of cancer. 'life expectancy. It can also improve people's mood, mental health, relationships, employability and fertility.Understanding obesity
Obesity is a medical condition characterized by excess body fat. It is usually measured by the body mass index (BMI), which is a calculation based on a person's weight and height. A person is considered obese if their BMI is 30 or more. Obesity is a global health problem that affects millions of people. It is associated with a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. In fact, obesity is now recognized as a major risk factor for several types of cancer.
Obesity and cancer
Obesity is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer (in women after menopause), colon, rectum, endometrium (lining of the uterus), esophagus, the kidney, pancreas and gallbladder. Obesity is estimated to be responsible for 14% of all cancer deaths in men and 20% in women.
How does bariatric surgery work?
Bariatric surgery works by changing the anatomy of your digestive system to limit the amount of food you can eat and digest. There are several types of bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and gastric banding. The type of surgery that is best for you depends on your overall health, body mass index, willingness to follow a diet after surgery, and other factors.
Is bariatric surgery safe?
Like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery carries risks. However, for most obese people, the benefits of bariatric surgery outweigh the risks. Possible complications of bariatric surgery include infections, bleeding, reactions to anesthetics, blood clots, and lung complications. However, these risks are generally low, and most people who undergo bariatric surgery do not experience serious complications.
Is bariatric surgery for me?
The decision to undergo bariatric surgery should be made in consultation with your doctor. If you are obese and have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through diet and exercise, bariatric surgery may be an option to consider. However, bariatric surgery is not a quick fix and requires a long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Life after bariatric surgery
After bariatric surgery , patients must commit to a healthy diet and regular exercise routine to maintain their weight loss. They will also need to take nutritional supplements for the rest of their lives to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Bariatric surgery can also have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Many people who have undergone bariatric surgery report improvements in their overall health, self-esteem, and ability to perform daily activities.
