The Hamptons Center for Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is associated with many medical complications. Some of the complications may become less severe or even reverse after successful weight loss. Listed below are some of the most common complications of obesity.

Diabetes

Obesity is associated with markedly increased risk for non-insulin as well as insulin-dependent diabetes. Weight reduction may cure early stage diabetes. As for insulin-dependent diabetes, weight reduction will not only lead to better control of this serious health problem but also it will significantly reduce the risks of complications of diabetes such as stroke, heart attack, blindness and amputation.

Hypertension

Young adults, age 20-45 have 6 times the chance of developing hypertension in comparison to their normal weight peers. Weight gain in young adult life is a major risk factor for developing hypertension in later life.

Cardiovascular disease

It is calculated that for each 10% increase in body weight there is an approximate 20% increase in the incidence of coronary artery disease. The problem is also complicated with the higher incidence of hypertension and high cholesterol levels in obese individuals.

Psychological

Impairment of body image is a major form of psychological disturbance for the obese. In addition, repeated failure of diet and exercise increases the feeling of despair and depression. Immobility and physical incapacity due to back /joint problems and shortness of breath are major contributors to the lifestyle restrictions most obese individuals face. The above-mentioned facts and more could contribute to absenteeism and unemployment. Needless to say, prejudice against obese individuals is a challenge that they have to face on daily bases.

Pulmonary Abnormalities

Obese individuals are at higher risk for developing pulmonary health problems. These problems can range in severity form reversible conditions to irreversible damage. For example, decrease in lung volumes can lead to shortness of breath and feelings of air hunger during physical activities . Sleep apnea, a condition noted as waking up to catch your breath, is more common among obese individuals. Other permanent changes can take place which may not reverse with weight loss.

Degenerative Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is common among these individuals due to the marked stress on weight bearing joints, knees and back, that causes pain and eventually loss of mobility. A significant correlation between uric acid levels and weight has been found. The chance of gout is dramatically increased when a patient’s weight is greater than 130% above the desirable weight. Weight loss will markedly decrease the obvious mechanical problem.

Cancer

There is higher rate of colorectal cancer among morbidly obese men in comparison to normal weight individuals. Studies have found a significantly higher mortality rate for colorectal and prostate cancer in obese males. Men who are a 130% over normal weight are 2.5 times more likely to die of prostate cancer during a 20 years follow up compared to their normal weight peers. Menopausal women with upper body fat have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Higher rates of uterine and ovarian cancer are found in morbidly obese women.

Gallbladder Disease

Fatty infiltration of the liver is associated with obesity in both men and women. Obese women in the 20-30 year range have a 6 times greater expectancy of developing gallbladder disease than their normal weight peers. Nearly one third of obese women can be expected to have developed gallbladder disease by the age of 60.