Overview
How can we define obesity?
The simplest definition of obesity is the accumulation of abnormal and excessive fat in the body. In other words, it is the fat mass accounting for more than 30% of an average body weight in adult women and more than 25% of an average body weight in adult men. Obesity - which is the most important health problem of developed countries in the world - is now one of the important health problems in our country. According to World Health Organization data, one out of every three people in the world is obese. According to the studies; one out of every four men and while almost half of the women in Turkey are obese
Why did the obesity surgery become so popular?
Obesity surgery is a cosmetic surgery which is performed solely to improve the appearance of the person, to make him/her feel better or to make him/her wear the clothes he/she wants. Obesity may cause many diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure, respiratory disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, depression, infertility, menstrual irregularities, impotence, joint disorders, varicose veins, cerebral hemorrhage and paralysis as well as social maladjustment and depression etc. Obesity is also known to play a role in some cancers such as breast, colorectal and prostate cancers.
How can we detect obesity? Who can be called obese?
Generally, Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to determine obesity. Body mass index is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the length in meters. As a result of this calculation, those who are under 18.5 kg / m² are considered slim; those who are between 18.5 - 24.9 kg / m² are considered normal weight; those who are between 25 - 29.9 kg / m² are overweight; those who are between 30 - 39.9 kg / m² are obese and those who are over 40 kg / m² are defined as morbidly obese.
When obese patients with BMI values ≥ 30 are compared with healthy individuals with BMI values equal to 20-25; it is determined that the risk of all-cause mortality increases by 50% to 100%. The risk of premature death increases significantly in cases of morbid obesity with BMI above 40 and super-morbid obesity above 50.
How is obesity treated?
The first-line treatment of obesity is not surgical. We aim to make our patients - who apply to our center with obesity complaints – to lose weight through a programme planned by our experienced doctors and dieticians. This programme covers diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications.
When is Obesity Surgery recommended?
Obesity surgery is recommended for patients with a body mass index of 35 or more and who cannot lose weight through diet, exercise and medical treatment under supervision of specialists for 6 months.
Indications for Obesity Surgery
- Patients at 18 to 60 years of age,
- Persons with BMI over 35 kg / m2, those who have concomitant diseases such as diabetes, heart, respiratory and joint diseases can be candidates of this surgery.
Before taking the decision of surgery; it must be shown definitely that the underlying cause of obesity is not an endocrine disease. Surgical decision should not be made only upon the patient's request; it should also be approved by a committee of surgeon, anesthesiologist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist and dietician.
How is obesity surgery performed?
Basically, there are two methods in obesity surgery; the reduction of stomach volume and/or the prevention of food absorption at some stages. Use of laparoscopic techniques in obesity surgery provides patients with a more comfortable recovery period compared to open surgery. With this method, patients return to activities of daily life in a short time after the surgery while the risks - such as wound infection and hernia - are reduced.
Although there is not any standard to determine which surgical technique should be used for a specific patient, many factors such as age, gender, BMI, eating habits that cause excess weight, fat distribution, additional diseases and targeted weight loss play a role to take this decision.
Doctors
