According to a study done between 2011 and 2014, an estimated 36.5% of adults in the United States were considered to be obese. Obesity is a condition that results from having too much fat in the body. While fat is needed for the body to function normally, too much fat can lead to a wide range of health problems.
Obesity and Heart Failure
Obesity has been shown to increase your risk of problems in the cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and stroke. Obese subjects in the study were also found to have a higher risk of developing heart failure compared to those with normal body mass index (BMI).
Reducing the Risk through Bariatric Surgery
Maintaining a healthy weight plays a great role in reducing the risk of developing heart failure. However, the traditional ways of achieving weight loss like behavioral therapy, exercise, and diet do not work for everyone – especially those who are severely obese. In cases like this, bariatric surgery may be recommended.
Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to help the patient reduce excess weight. The best candidates for bariatric surgery are those who have a BMI of 40 35 and above, those who are struggling to lose weight with traditional methods, and those who have at least two obesity-related co-morbidities. Examples of co-morbidities are high blood pressure, respiratory disorders, type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and sleep apnea. lipid abnormalities.
Analysis of imaging studies after bariatric surgery revealed that the procedure can help improve cardiac function. Not only that, it also shows to improve both clinical and functional symptoms of heart failure, and significantly reduces the risk of pulmonary edema.
Although there are many benefits to bariatric surgery, there are a lot of factors to consider before you undergo the procedure. You should make the decision to have weight loss surgery only after careful consideration and consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon or a knowledgeable family physician.
At Foothills Weight Loss Specialists in Knoxville, we have qualified surgeons who are able to clearly answer your questions and explain the exact details of the procedure, the extent of the recovery period and the reality of follow-up care that will be required. If you are considering bariatric surgery, visit our website or call 865-984-3413 to schedule an appointment today.