Bariatric surgery programs both nationally and internationally
are fighting a growing epidemic of obesity and its health consequences. The
numbers are staggering. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that more than
a billion people around the world are overweight and as many as 300 million of
them are obese. It is the result of consuming foods that are high in energy but
poor in nutrients with high levels of sugar and saturated fat combined with a
decreasing amount of exercise. Obesity rates have already tripled since the
1980s in parts of North America, Europe and even the Middle East and China.
If you are overweight or obese some of the potential
consequences could give cause for concern because obesity poses a major risk
for certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and
several other chronic diseases. In the United States, for example, more than 23
Americans already have diabetes and that number is expected to double by 2034.
That doubling is anticipated as a result of
an aging population combined with
increasing obesity among the general population. As the problem becomes more
acute, more overweight people are seeking bariatric surgery programs.
Since so many overweight people are increasingly
turning to medically based solutions for long-term sustainable weight loss, it
is important to understand what a bariatric practice is and what it is not.
Bariatric surgery programs are not simple weight loss programs with
commercially prepared meals and regularly scheduled weigh-ins. At its
foundation, a bariatric practice is a medical solution to weight loss providing
a comprehensive program that includes surgery. These bariatric surgery programs
are directed by a surgeon(s) and supported by a team of professionals which
often includes nutritionists, exercise physiologists and nurse practitioners
who work with the patients to achieve and maintain weight loss goals. While a
simple weight loss program can be entered into by just about anyone who has an
interest in losing weight, a program that includes surgery is for patients who
are morbidly obese or who have coexisting medical conditions that make losing
significant amount s of weight medically vital. These bariatric surgery
programs involve a lifetime commitment to losing weight and a lifestyle change
for the patient.
One of the most popular options in bariatric surgery
programs is the Lap-Band System procedure because it can lead to significant
amounts of weight loss over time. That loss of weight can help reverse or
correct many of the serious medical conditions associated with obesity including
diabetes. One study published by the Journal of American Medical Association
stated that 73 percent of patients who had contracted type 2 diabetes in the
last two years were able to resolve their condition following bariatric
surgery. In many cases, patients with hypertension can lower their blood
pressure enough to discontinue medication following significant weight loss
after gastric banding procedures.
The American Society for Bariatric surgery declared
that approximately 220,000 bariatric surgeries were performed in 2008; that
compares to 205,000 performed in 2007. More surgical options have come
available over the past decade to provide safer and alternative methods to
assist in the fight against obesity. Laparoscopic methods have become more popular
to allow less invasive procedures and quicker recovery for weight loss
patients. And the fight continues as bariatric surgery programs conduct ongoing
medical trials continue to evaluate standard requirements for surgical weight
loss options.
No comments:
Post a Comment