Should The Criteria For Weight Loss Surgery Be Lowered?

In a recent study, researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that while weight loss surgery is currently offered to patients who have a BMI of a certain level, many patients could be helped sooner simply through surgical intervention. Currently, patients need to have a body mass index, or BMI, of over 40 in healthy people, or 35 plus in those suffering with other risk factors such as diabetes. In the study, researchers examined 104 cases and found that although they were all operated on, the majority of them were actually too low to meet the requirements.

There is no proof that weight loss surgery offers a lower risk of diseases such as diabetes, as the study proved that the effects were the same for both sets of patients – those who had undergone weight-loss surgery and those who hadn’t. However, for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, the level of risk factor was reduced among patients who were not eligible for the surgery. Previous studies have shown that there is generally a longer lasting weight loss in those who undergo surgery for their condition, as well as a lowered risk of ailments such as heart disease, stroke and premature death. Researchers believe that the requirements for this type of surgery should be changed to accommodate the new findings.

Those with strict BMI limits are only treating patients with a high risk of future diseases, which means there are many who are not receiving treatment but could greatly benefit. It was also argued that a patients’ blood glucose and insulin levels should also be taken into account. Obesity is a common condition across the globe thanks to our modern lifestyles and poor diets. It can lead to many health concerns, including a range of damaging illnesses. If you think you may be at risk of being dangerously overweight, speak to your GP who can advise you how to navigate a healthier lifestyle.