If you’re considering weight loss surgery, there’s some good news.
A new long-term study found that people who have had this kind of surgery are less likely to die from several serious health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows; the study also discovered some risks that you should know about.
What the Research Tells Us
The study was carried out by a team from the University of Utah, who looked at data from almost 22,000 people over a span of 40 years.
They compared those who had weight loss surgery to those who didn’t but were similar in age, weight, and other factors.
Here’s the promising part: people who had the surgery were 16% less likely to die from any cause. When it came to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, the surgery group saw decreases in death rates by 29%, 43%, and 72%, respectively.
These are big numbers that could mean a longer, healthier life for those who opt for surgery.
On the Flip Side: The Risks
While the benefits are significant, it’s important to also look at the downsides. The study found that those who had weight loss surgery had an 83% higher chance of dying from chronic liver disease.
Even more concerning, younger people (ages 18-34) who had the surgery were 2.4 times more likely to die by suicide.
This has led experts to call for better psychological screening before surgery and more thorough follow-up care afterward, especially for younger patients.
Why It Matters
With obesity rates on the rise, more people are turning to weight loss surgery as a solution. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42.4% of U.S. adults were obese in 2017-2018.
Obesity brings a slew of health problems, including the big killers: heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. This study shows that for many, surgery could literally be a lifesaver.
However, the risks are important too. While surgery might help with physical health conditions, there might be mental or emotional issues that need to be addressed.
As Jihad Kudsi, a medical doctor not involved in the study, pointed out, the research should serve as a call to improve pre-surgery screening and post-surgery care.
The Future of Weight Loss Surgery
Experts are saying this study will likely make more people interested in weight loss surgery. It will also likely spur more research into understanding how the surgery brings these benefits and risks.
With such compelling findings, both positive and negative, doctors and patients alike will be paying close attention to what comes next in this area of medicine.
So, if you’re thinking about weight loss surgery, this research gives you valuable information to weigh the pros and cons.
While the surgery could very well extend your life, it’s essential to also consider the risks and discuss them thoroughly with your healthcare provider.
If you care about weight loss, please read studies about the keto diet for weight loss: Pros and cons, and how to drink water to lose weight.
For more information about weight loss, please see recent studies about the best cheeses to improve diabetes and lose weight, and results showing gastric sleeve weight-loss surgery: a real story.
The study was published in Obesity.
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