Bariatric surgery increases longevity

Obesity-related conditions are associated with reduced quality of life and life expectancy. Diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death across the globe. Bariatric surgery has been proven to be the most effective treatment for most patients with clinically severe obesity. The surgery improves remission of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea, compared with nonsurgical management. The body undergoes significant weight loss and metabolic changes that improve patients’ lives and have been associated with high rates of T2D remission as well.

In a study conducted by the University of Gothenburg, those who had bariatric surgery done increased their life expectancy by an additional 3 years than those who were treated for obesity non-surgically. Not only does bariatric surgery improve quality of life but it is reducing the risk of premature death as well.

In another study published in the National Library of Medicine, researchers tracked the long-term results of bariatric surgery in a group of 4,185 participants. In one of their findings, a 45-year-old female with diabetes and a BMI of 45 gained an additional 6.7 years of life expectancy after having surgery. The researchers concluded that for most severely obese patients with diabetes, bariatric surgery will improve life expectancy and obesity-related health issues.

Bariatric surgery can be life-changing for someone who needs to lose weight and wants to take back control of their health. Patient life expectancy increases because bariatric surgery produces sustainable weight loss in obese people who have not achieved long-term success with other weight loss programs. There are different types of bariatric surgeries available including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Speak with your doctor about which option would be best for you.