A recent study, involving nearly 22,000 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery, has revealed that weight loss surgery significantly reduces the risk of premature death, particularly from obesity-related conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
The research found that those who underwent one of four types of weight loss surgery were 16% less likely to die from any cause when compared to individuals with similar weight. The reduction in deaths related to obesity-triggered diseases, like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, was even more substantial. Deaths from cardiovascular disease decreased by 29%, while deaths from various types of cancer decreased by 43%.
This study aligns with previous research findings, including a decade-long study in Sweden that also observed substantial decreases in premature deaths. Dr. Eduardo Grunvald, a professor of medicine and medical director of the weight management program at the University of California San Diego Health, mentioned that the new research from Utah supports the positive long-term outcomes of these procedures. Additionally, it was noted that individuals who undergo bariatric surgery or take new weight loss medications find it easier to make dietary changes, potentially due to alterations in brain chemistry.
Despite these benefits, only 2% of eligible patients opt for bariatric surgery, often due to societal stigma surrounding obesity. Dr. Caroline Apovian, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, emphasized that obesity is a disease and should be treated as such. Insurance typically covers surgery costs for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 if they have related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
The study also highlighted that both men and women can benefit from bariatric surgery. Around 80% of those who choose these procedures are women, but the inclusion of men in the study showed mortality reductions of 14% for females and 21% for males across all causes of death. Deaths from related causes like heart attacks, cancer, and diabetes were 24% lower for females and 22% lower for males who underwent surgery compared to those who did not.
The study examined four types of surgery performed between 1982 and 2018:
- Gastric Bypass: This procedure creates a small pouch near the top of the stomach and bypasses most of the stomach and the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
- Lap-Band Surgery: It involves placing an elastic band around the top portion of the stomach to restrict food intake. However, it’s less popular today due to its lower success in long-term weight loss.
- Gastric Sleeve: About two-thirds of the stomach is removed laparoscopically in this procedure, allowing food to pass through the much smaller stomach.
- Duodenal Switch: Reserved for high BMI patients, this complex procedure combines a sleeve gastrectomy with an intestinal bypass and is effective for type 2 diabetes.
