Weight loss after surgery for obesity lengthens life expectancy
November 19th, 2007
Obesity is known to be associated with increased mortality and is particularly dramatic in patients with severe obesity. Depending upon the study, the life expectancy of severely obese person is reduced by between 5 to 20 years.
We regularly our patients who have severe or morbid obesity, that weight loss is good for them. There is no doubt about the effects on associated diseases such as hip and knee arthritis, diabetes, cancer and the risk of heart disease. There has, however, never been hard evidence, in people who have lost weight without surgical intervention, that substantial weight loss make a difference to long-term mortality.
Two recent well conducted studies have confirmed that gastric bypass surgery, often specifically recommended for patients with diabetes or those who are severely obese, does result in a reduction in long-term total mortality particularly from death due specifically to diabetes, heart disease or cancer. However, the rate of death not caused by disease, such as accidents and suicide, were 53% higher in the surgery group. This remains unexplained.
For references, please contact London Medical.
Dr Ralph Abraham, Nov 2007
