When lifestyle and dietary changes don’t help and obesity reaches a critical stage, bariatric surgery can help but it has its own risks
New Delhi (THP)
The pressing issue of obesity has become a significant concern in India, and notably, women in the country are more susceptible to overweight conditions compared to men.
As high as 29.8% of men and 41.2% of women aged 15-49 years were found to be overweight or obese, according to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). This represents a significant increase compared to 22.9% for men and 24.0% for women in NFHS-4. Obesity exposes the obese to heightened risks of lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, and strokes.
The root cause of obesity lies predominantly in unhealthy lifestyle choices and irregular dietary patterns. Initial interventions typically involve lifestyle modifications, emphasising heart-healthy eating and increased physical activity.
The effectiveness of conventional methods like dieting, exercise, and weight-loss pills may be limited in some cases. Consequently, the focus shifts towards long-term weight-loss plans, with bariatric surgery emerging as a promising alternative.
Surgeons highlight bariatric surgery as a viable option beyond traditional approaches, offering effective solutions for significant and sustained weight loss and overall health improvement. Celebrities ranging from comedian Bharti Singh to the late politician Arun Jaitley are reported to have opted for the surgery route.
Bariatric surgery encompasses two main categories: Restrictive surgery and Restrictive and malabsorptive surgery. Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive surgery and involves removing about 75-85% of the stomach, limiting food intake and helping reduce 60-70% of excess body weight in two years. This procedure, performed through a single incision, offers minimal scarring and a short recovery time.
The second category includes Mini-gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). Mini-gastric bypass streamlines the process, reduces complications, and minimises operating time by creating a long narrow tube of the stomach with a specific connection to the small gut. In RYGB, the stomach is divided into a small upper pouch and a larger lower pouch, with the small intestine rearranged to connect to both.
However, an informed decision about accompanying risks is essential when considering bariatric surgery, as experiences vary among individuals. There is increased risk of blood clot formation. Excessive scarring can occur in some cases. Urination may be accompanied by difficulties…There is risk of organ dysfunction, including complications such as bowel obstructions or leaks. Some people may experience mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
It is crucial to recognise potential risks and adopt a holistic approach to weight management since obesity is a complex issue requiring personalised understanding and approach and remedial measures.
Sources: The Health Presso