Although it has long been hypothesized that stress and obesity are linked, there has been very little scientific evidence that proves it — until now. A recent study suggests the two conditions are connected at the molecular level. In this blog post, Campbelltown bariatric surgeon Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare takes a look at the study’s findings and implications in detail.Read More
Category: Obesity
Conditions Surprisingly Linked to Obesity
Many people are aware that obesity increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes, but you might be surprised by some of the other conditions that can be caused or exacerbated by obesity. In this post, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare lists some lesser-known conditions that have been linked to obesity.Read More
Celebrating Exercise Right Week
By now, you know that exercise plays an essential role in healthy living. But did you know how you exercise plays an important part as well? Exercise Right Week is a national campaign created by (ESSA), which calls for Australians to exercise not only more frequently but also properly. In this blog post, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas shares more information on the campaign, as well as tips on how to improve your fitness regimen.Read More
Study: Obesity a Bigger Problem than World Hunger
The rate of obesity has more than doubled worldwide over the past 40 years, according to a recent study. The study also reveals that obesity has now become a bigger problem than world hunger, as there are more people obese than underweight now. In this blog post, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas breaks down the study’s findings.Read More
The Effect of Obesity on Pregnancy
There is no question that obesity makes it more difficult to become pregnant, stay healthy during pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. The link between maternal obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes is well documented. And, with one of three Australian women of reproductive age being overweight or obese, this is a widespread concern.
Fortunately, studies also show that weight loss surgery lowers these risks. Losing even a little bit of weight is good for the health of mother and child.
Here, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare explains what you need to know about obesity and pregnancy.
Getting Pregnant While Overweight
Being substantially overweight can compromise fertility, making it difficult to become pregnant. Studies show that obese women are more likely to have infrequent or irregular ovulation and menstruation than women of a healthy weight. And, men that are obese are more likely to have low testosterone levels; they can struggle with erectile dysfunction, too. Also, obesity can hinder the outcome of assisted reproductive technology such as in-vitro fertilization.
Health Risks During Pregnancy
Women that are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing serious health problems during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.
The risk of miscarrying or delivering a stillborn baby is greater among expectant mothers that are obese. Obese pregnant women also have a higher risk of the following delivery-related complications:
- slow cervical dilation
- induction for prolonged pregnancy
- prolonged labor
- possible birth injury
- Caesarean section delivery as a result of failure to progress during labor
Fetal Complications
Maternal obesity is linked to increased risks for the baby. For example, a baby born to an obese mother is more likely to have birth defects like spina bifida or heart problems. The baby may have a higher birth weight and be prone to childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease and psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. Obesity can also affect a mother’s ability to breastfeed.
Take Control of Your Health
This information is not meant to scare you. If you are obese and thinking of becoming pregnant in the future, you have hope. Losing even a few kilograms before pregnancy can help reduce the aforementioned risks and increase your chances of a complication-free pregnancy and healthy baby.
The key is to lose the weight before starting a family. By losing excess weight, you are putting yourself in a better position to become pregnant, stay healthy during pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
If you have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise, Advanced Surgicare has a more effective method. We offer surgical weight loss options, such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, so you attain your goal weight and can enjoy a healthier and happier pregnancy.
To learn more about the available weight loss surgery options, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas. Please call 1-300 551 533 today.
How Obesity Increases Cancer Risk
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, almost two in three (63 percent) of Australian adults are overweight or obese, while one in every four children (25 percent) are overweight or obese. These statistics are especially alarming because of the effect obesity has on other health conditions, including cancer. In fact, research has shown obesity may increase the risk for certain types of cancers. In this blog post, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas discusses the connection between obesity and cancer in detail.
Obesity and Cancer Risk
It remains unknown exactly how obesity increases the risk for certain cancers, but growing research has pointed to several possible factors.
Fat tissue produces excess amount of the female hormone estrogen. High levels of estrogen have been linked to breast and endometrial cancer. Obese people also tend to have increased levels of insulin, which may promote the development of certain tumors. Fat cells may also have an effect on other tumor growth regulators. Researchers have also found that fat cells produce certain hormones that may promote cell growth. Another possible factor is inflammation; people who are obese tend to have inflammation throughout their body, which has been associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Obesity is associated with increased risks of the following cancer types:
- Esophagus
- Pancreas
- Colon and rectum
- Breast
- Kidney
- Thyroid
- Gallbladder
Weight Loss and Cancer Risk
Several studies have found that avoiding weight gain and losing weight can decrease the risk of developing certain cancers, including colon, breast and endometrial cancer. In fact, if every adult reduced his or her body mass index by 1 percent, 100,000 new cases of cancer could be prevented, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The best way to lose weight is by pairing a healthy diet with a regular exercise routine. Other healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking and getting a good amount of sleep regularly have been found to be helpful in maintaining an ideal weight.
At Advanced Surgicare, we are committed to helping patients live happier, healthier lives. We understand that losing weight can be difficult for several reasons. Dr. V. Kuzinkovas and his medical team at Advanced Surgicare have performed bariatric surgery on countless men and women to help them achieve their weight loss goals. You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you:
- Have a BMI of at least 40
- Have a BMI of at least 30 to 35 and at least one serious co-morbid health condition
- Are overweight by about 20 kilograms or more
To learn more about your massive weight loss surgery options, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas. Please call 1 300 551 533 today.
Obese Women at Higher Risk of Developing Cancer
A recent study has just shed light on one of obesity’s most serious health effects. British researchers found that obese women are at far higher risk for cancer than women of healthy weight. This latest study adds to a growing body of research that links obesity to cancer and other serious diseases and conditions. Here, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare takes a look at the most recent findings.
What the Study Found
Researchers at Cancer Research UK found that obese women have a one in four risk of developing a weight-related cancer in their lifetime. The study also found obese women have a 40 percent higher risk for cancer than thinner women. Obese women are at higher risk for seven types of cancers, including:
- Bowel
- Gallbladder
- Uterus
- Kidney
- Pancreas
- Esophagus
- Breast (post menopausal)
As of now, there is no one clear explanation for this increased risk, but researchers believe one possible reason may be because cancer is linked to a fat cell’s production of hormones, especially estrogen. Having excess fat can change the level of estrogen a woman’s body produces. The more estrogen produced, the higher the risk for certain cancers. Additionally, research has also found that too much fat around the stomach is linked to bowel, kidney, esophagus, pancreatic, breast and womb cancers.
Weight Loss Surgery Options
One way women suffering from obesity can lower their risk of cancer is by losing weight. Healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking, exercising regularly and eating healthy can help maintain an ideal weight. However, losing a massive amount of weight can be difficult, especially for women. Hereditary disposition and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause can affect a woman’s ability to lose weight.
If you are overweight and are having a hard time losing weight, Advanced Surgicare can help. Dr. V. Kuzinkovas and the entire medical team at Advanced Surgicare have helped thousands of women reach their weight loss goals through bariatric surgeries including gastric bypass and laparoscopic weight loss surgery. Dr. Kuzinkovas can determine which best surgical procedure and/or weight loss treatment plan will help you live a happier, healthier life.
Learn more about the different bariatric surgery procedures we perform by scheduling a one-on-one consultation. Please call us today at 1 300 551 533.
What Is Obesity Exactly?
Have you been told that you suffer from “obesity,” yet no one has explained exactly what this term means? At Advanced Surgicare Clinic in Sydney, we believe that in order to lose excess weight and lead a healthier lifestyle, you must first understand the health condition you are trying to overcome: obesity. Here’s a look at what obesity is, how it is measured and how it affects your health.
Obesity, Defined
Obesity is a health condition characterized by having an excess of body fat. Specifically, someone who suffers from obesity is classified as having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or more.
How Obesity Is Measured
Obesity is measured in various ways, but the two most common measurements of obesity are BMI and waist circumference.
BMI can be calculated by dividing your bodyweight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters squared). In general, an adult with a BMI of 30 or more suffers from obesity.
Waist circumference can be determined by wrapping a tape measure around your natural waist, the region below your rib cage and above your hip bone. An adult woman with a waist circumference of 89 centimeters or more has an unhealthy waist circumference. An adult man with a waist circumference of 102 or more has an unhealthy waist circumference.
How Obesity Affects Your Health
Suffering from obesity puts you at increased risk of developing certain related health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), type-2 diabetes, high levels of cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, certain cancers (i.e., colon, endometrial, breast) and others.
Fortunately, losing excess weight with the help of bariatric surgery often resolves obesity-related health conditions.
If You Need Help Combating Obesity
Do not be ashamed to ask for help if you suffer from obesity. At Advanced Surgicare Clinic, compassionate bariatric surgeon Dr. V. Kuzinkovas is ready and happy to help. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuzinkovas to learn more about your weight loss surgery treatment options, please contact Advanced Surgicare Clinic by calling 1300 551 533.