Negative health effects of severe obesity

The negative health effects of severe obesity are very well known and have been thoroughly documented, yet obesity levels in the United States continue to remain stubbornly high. Many of these repercussions are life threatening and include heart attack, stroke, and a greatly increased chance of developing cancer. Because of this, doctors recommend that obese individuals pursue a healthy weight as the best means of avoiding these deadly conditions. Unfortunately, for those who may need to lose the dozens, or even hundreds, of pounds to achieve this goal, that healthy weight can prove extremely allusive. Fortunately, highly trained bariatric surgeons, like the experienced team at Beverly Hills Physicians, offer effective solutions to address the many health issues associated with obesity. Below are some of the conditions, once thought to be extremely difficult to treat, that bariatric surgery can now readily address.

1) Respiratory issues and sleep apnea –The more overweight one is, the harder the body has to work to maintain necessary functions. Obese individuals experience labored breathing, even during non-vigorous activity, which strains the heart and the lungs, increasing the risk of pulmonary and cardiac issues. In addition, obesity is a known cause of sleep apnea which negatively impacts needed rest and only adds to an already increased level of fatigue and overall poor health that a severely obese person will experience.

2) Bladder control — Though less well known, urinary tract conditions, including bladder related issues, are also negative impacts of obesity. Such issues include night time urination, higher urinary frequency, incomplete bladder emptying, and leakage. These conditions are caused by the metabolic problems that are the result of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. These issues, too, tend to improve when severe obesity is reversed via weight loss surgery.

3) Diabetes —Obesity has long been known as a risk factor that contributes toward the development of diabetes. What has recently come to light, however, is medical research which indicates that bariatric surgery can improve symptoms of type II diabetes, or even place the condition into remission.

4) Significantly reduced lifespan — The ultimate result of every health concern associated with severe obesity is a greatly reduced life expectancy compared to an individual of a healthy weight. Men suffering from severe obesity have a lifespan that is nearly ten years shorter. Further still, that shorter life will likely be marred by illness and ailment as individuals with severe obesity spend an average of 18.8 years debilitated by a range of difficult issues. As the only proven treatment for severe obesity, successful bariatric procedures appear quite likely to significantly increase both the length and quality of a patient's life.