How Obesity Affects Longevity

There are all sorts of reasons why losing weight is a good idea, but perhaps the most compelling is that obese individuals have shorter lifespans than those of normal weight. Below, Sydney specialist bariatric surgeon Dr V. Kuzinkovas discusses how bariatric surgery can help those struggling with obesity lose weight and perhaps live longer and more healthy lives.

There are all sorts of reasons why losing weight is a good idea, but perhaps the most compelling is that obese individuals have shorter lifespans than those of normal weight. Below, Sydney specialist bariatric surgeon Dr V. Kuzinkovas discusses how bariatric surgery can help those struggling with obesity lose weight and perhaps live longer and more healthy lives.

Obesity and Life Expectancy

Everyone knows that smoking often shortens lifespans, due to either cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, the same holds true for those dealing with moderate obesity. That is basically a person who weighs one-third more than their optimum weight based on their height.

For those with severe obesity, the excess weight may take as much as 10 years off their life expectancy. Those in the moderate category can expect to live several years longer if they lose the weight permanently than if they kept it on.

How Obesity Kills

People with moderate to severe obesity are more likely to die prematurely from cancer or cardiovascular illness, just like smokers. Diabetes also kills a large number of the obese.

Statistically, obesity plays a role in approximately one-third of deaths from stroke or heart attack, and about one in 12 deaths from cancer. Those are sobering percentages. Unfortunately, these figures are on the low end for such studies. A National Institutes of Health study found that obesity could cost some people 14 years of their lives.

Longevity Options

While no one can tell you exactly how long you will live, the odds are good that it’s not as long as if you lost considerable weight. Most people suffering from obesity have tried various diet and exercise programs and other forms of therapy, but any weight loss is temporary.

Bariatric surgery, available in various procedures, has a much better track record of keeping weight off for good. An Israeli study found that obese people undergoing bariatric surgery had half the death rate of those who tried other weight loss formulas over a decade.

While some people may hesitate to have surgery, when it comes to obesity it is often the best option for longevity. All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, but the overwhelming majority of bariatric surgery patients do very well, going on to healthier lives at a normal weight.

For More Information, Contact Advanced Surgicare

If you would like more information about procedures to treat obesity that may prolong your life, schedule a personal consultation with Dr V. Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare.