Our Summary
This research paper explains how being overweight or obese can place individuals in a state of chronic, low-level inflammation, making them more likely to suffer severe respiratory problems. This has been seen in past pandemics, with overweight individuals often experiencing worse health outcomes. This is particularly worrying with the current COVID-19 pandemic, especially as services aimed at managing obesity have been put on hold. The paper investigates the connection between obesity and COVID-19, the increased risk for obese individuals in past pandemics, why obese people might be more likely to get seriously ill and carry more virus, and the importance of safely restarting weight-loss surgery and other obesity treatments, following expert guidelines, to lessen the health impact on this already at-risk group.
FAQs
- How does being overweight or obese increase the risk of severe respiratory problems?
- What is the connection between obesity and COVID-19 as discussed in the research paper?
- Why is it important to restart weight-loss surgery and other obesity treatments amid the pandemic?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to ensure they follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by their healthcare team. This may include adopting healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns. It is important for patients to be fully committed to making lifestyle changes in order to achieve successful outcomes from obesity surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery are those who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These individuals have often tried other methods of weight loss such as diet and exercise, but have not been successful in achieving significant and sustained weight loss.
Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is recommended for these patients as a way to help them lose weight and improve their overall health and quality of life. The surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach or bypassing part of the small intestine, which helps to limit the amount of food a person can eat and absorb, leading to weight loss.
In addition to meeting the BMI criteria, patients who are recommended for obesity surgery typically undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including a surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other specialists. This evaluation helps to determine if the patient is a good candidate for surgery and to identify any potential risks or complications.
Overall, obesity surgery is recommended for patients who have tried other weight loss methods without success and who have a BMI that puts them at high risk for obesity-related health conditions. By undergoing surgery, these patients can achieve significant and sustained weight loss, improve their overall health, and reduce their risk for obesity-related complications.
Timeline
Before obesity surgery, a patient typically undergoes a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team which may include a surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other specialists to assess their physical and mental health, and determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery. The patient may also undergo pre-operative testing and preparation to ensure they are ready for the procedure.
After obesity surgery, the patient will typically experience a period of recovery and adjustment. They may need to follow a specific diet and exercise plan to support their weight loss and overall health. Regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team will be scheduled to monitor their progress, address any concerns or complications, and provide ongoing support.
Over time, the patient can expect to see significant improvements in their health and quality of life as they lose weight and reduce their risk of obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. They may also experience positive changes in their mental health and self-esteem as they achieve their weight loss goals.
It is important for patients to continue to follow the recommendations of their healthcare team and make lifestyle changes to maintain their weight loss and overall health in the long term. Regular follow-up appointments and support from healthcare professionals and support groups can help patients navigate the challenges and successes of their weight loss journey.
What to Ask Your Doctor
How will obesity surgery improve my overall health and reduce my risk of severe respiratory problems, especially in relation to COVID-19?
What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery, and how likely are they to occur?
What lifestyle changes will I need to make before and after the surgery to ensure its success?
How long is the recovery process, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
Will I need to follow a specific diet or exercise regimen post-surgery, and how can I best maintain my weight loss long-term?
How will obesity surgery impact my existing medical conditions or medications I am currently taking?
What are the success rates of obesity surgery, and what factors can affect the outcome?
Are there any alternative treatments or options for managing obesity that I should consider before opting for surgery?
How often will I need to follow up with you or a healthcare provider after the surgery, and what ongoing support will be available to me?
What are the specific guidelines and precautions in place to ensure the safety and effectiveness of obesity surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Reference
Authors: Zakka K, Chidambaram S, Mansour S, Mahawar K, Salminen P, Almino R, Schauer P, Kinross J, Purkayastha S; PanSurg Collaborative. Journal: Obes Surg. 2021 Apr;31(4):1745-1754. doi: 10.1007/s11695-020-04919-0. Epub 2021 Jan 22. PMID: 33479921