Understanding Obesity - Saratoga Hospital

Effects of Obesity

The effects of obesity are serious. Researchers have proven through numerous studies that obesity is associated with an increased chance of developing many serious medical problems, not just diabetes or coronary heart disease.

Other diseases can include:

• Cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Erectile dysfunction
• Cognitive impairment
• Female infertility
• Arthritis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Sudden cardiac death
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Fatty liver disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome

Bariatric Surgery & Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the top ten leading causes of U.S. deaths. Approximately 90 percent of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common form of diabetes, is attributable to excessive body fat.

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, worsening over time. This can require even more medication to keep blood sugar levels under control. However, lifestyle changes in addition to medical supervision and adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen can help keep blood sugar levels from reaching dangerous levels and can even cause remission in many individuals.

Since obesity is the primary cause for Type 2 diabetes, losing weight and following a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce your changes of the many health problems associated with the condition.

For people with severe obesity, bariatric surgery can make a significant impact upon a patient’s diabetic state by lowering blood sugar, reducing the dosage and type of medicine required, and improving diabetes-related health problems.

Weighing the Benefits & Risks

While bariatric surgery certainly has some risk, the long-term risk of continued diabetes (which is often inadequately treated with medication alone) typically outweighs the risk of a surgical procedure for most patients.

Bariatric surgery can be a life-saving option for those with Type 2 diabetes, improving the quality of health and life for many years to come.

However, each patient’s individual risks for surgery should be evaluated in the context of the duration and severity of their diabetes as well as their other individual obesity-related health problems.