Obesity death risk ‘reduced with surgery’
Individuals experiencing severe obesity problems, as a result of diabetes or otherwise, could reduce their risk of death with weight loss surgery.
According to an article published by German scientists in the latest issue of the Lancet, the worldwide incidence of "bariatric surgical procedures" has increased more than fivefold in five years in most developed countries.
In a new study they investigated the gastric-restrictive type of bariatric surgery, which limits food intake, as well as the malabsorption type, which decreases the amount of food absorbed in the digestive tract.
Both methods’ effectiveness has traditionally been measured in terms of weight reduction, while the latest study explored their effect on "obesity-related co-morbidities", affecting a range of systems including the heart and metabolism.
"New data indicate that at least some bariatric procedures exert their beneficial metabolic effects not only by weight loss but also through a change in hormone release from the gut," wrote Dr Michael Korenkov and co-worker Dr Stefan Sauerland.
They continued: "This finding corresponds to clinical observations that obesity in patients with diabetes is especially amenable to bariatric surgery."
As well as obesity, diabetes sufferers face the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and blindness, which all significantly reduce life expectancy and quality of life.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with diabetes or obesity
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