Obesity affects millions of people across the region. It is estimated that in the UAE alone, up to 30% of all adults are significantly overweight.
But what most people don’t realize is that obesity is a complex metabolic disease.
For many patients, obesity isn’t as simple as cutting calories and moving more. There are many contributing factors, and treating it isn’t as straightforward as being in a calorie deficit.
When diet and exercise aren’t making any difference, weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, can offer a life-changing solution.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery refers to any procedure on the abdomen that alters the digestive system to aid weight loss.
Nowadays, most procedures, such as those offered at the Bariatric Surgery Clinic at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, are performed laparoscopically. This means that they are minimally invasive, and a thin tube with a camera on is inserted through tiny incisions to perform the procedure. This reduces the risk of complications, makes the surgery much safer, and aids a faster recovery.
How is Bariatric Surgery so Effective?
Bariatric surgery changes the digestive system either by reducing the amount of food you can eat or reducing the amount of nutrients (calories) that you absorb from food (depending on which procedure is performed).
These alterations in your anatomy can reverse the metabolic change that obesity causes in the body, by increasing production of a hormone which actually boosts metabolism and supports more successful weight loss post-surgery.
As well as significant weight loss, bariatric surgery offers a host of health benefits. It can reverse the effects of many obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, and support an overall improved quality of life.
Are You a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric and other weight loss surgery is recommended for the following people:
- Those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher (extreme obesity).
- Thos with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 (obesity), who have weight-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea.
- Those with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have serious weight-related health problems and who haven’t been able to achieve weight loss via other methods.
If I am Overweight, is Surgery Safe?
Any surgery or procedure carries some degree of risk, but bariatric surgery is considered a very safe surgery. Advances in surgical techniques mean that the procedures are now minimally invasive and have very few complications associated with them. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the team has performed over 3,000 bariatric surgeries with no surgery-related mortalities.
It is worth remembering that the risk of the many conditions associated with long-term obesity are greater than the risks associated with the procedure.
Is Bariatric Surgery the Last Resort?
Surgery shouldn’t be considered a last resort for those with obesity – it is far better to treat the condition before serious complications from the disease arise.
Bariatric surgery is perhaps the most effective tool in the fight against obesity, with most patients achieving drastic, sustainable weight loss and an improvement in their overall health.
Talk to Your Doctor Today
If you have been struggling with obesity, or you are overweight and living with a weight-related health condition, talk to your doctors about the many options available to help you to achieve a healthier life.
Don't let Obesity and Metabolic conditions stop you from living life to the fullest. Book an appointment with us today, and take the first step towards a healthier future. Email us at [email protected] and one of our caregivers will assist you.