Do I qualify for bariatric surgery?

Growing Importance of Bariatric Surgery: How to Qualify for Bariatric Surgery

Growing Importance of Bariatric Surgery

Since, progressive generations are growing heavier with increased association with other metabolic disorders – diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. There has been an increasing role of bariatric surgery in the management of obesity and its associated co-morbidities. Technological leaps in the field of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery as well as Robotic Bariatric Surgery have led to the evolution of bariatric surgery from a major, uncommon, and often dangerous surgery with doubtful outcomes to a much safer, routine procedure with assured results.

Evolution of Bariatric Surgery Criteria

Initially, it was a difficult task to elect candidates who could undergo bariatric surgery. In 1991 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus statement for the first time defined clear universally acceptable criteria for patient selection. This statement was revised and re-defined as more and more data began to be analysed subsequently. The cut-off BMI to undergo surgery was lowered over a period of time.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Starting with Gastric Bypass surgery, in which Roux-en-Y gastric Bypass being the gold standard, nowadays Gastric Sleeve Surgery is becoming more and more popular among surgeons since it is relatively simple to perform with similar post-operative outcomes.

Shift from Weight Loss to Metabolic Surgery

With the understanding of the metabolic syndrome, of which obesity was just one part, there was increasing interest in the role of surgery in the resolution of co-morbidities, particularly diabetes and dyslipidemia.

The increasing incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease even at lower BMIs, particularly in specific populations such as Asians led to a demand to consider these surgeries for selected candidates with low BMIs also. The emphasis shifted from ‘weight loss’ surgery to ‘metabolic’ surgery. It was suggested that perhaps action points for Asians should be 2.5 BMI points lower i.e. at 32.5 and 37.5.

New Eligibility Criteria and Recommendations

With this background, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) released a position statement on 28^th March 2011 supporting surgery to treat Type II diabetes in obese patients. It defined new lower BMI criteria for patient selection as explained in the table below.

Eligibility and prioritization for bariatric surgery based on failed non-surgical weight loss therapy ⁺, BMI, ethnicity ⁺⁺, and disease control.

BMI range	Eligible for surgery	Prioritised for surgery
< 30	No	No
30 – 35	YES – Conditional ⁺⁺⁺	No
35 – 40	YES	YES – Conditional ⁺⁺⁺
> 40	YES	YES

+ In all cases, patients should have failed to lose weight and sustain significant weight loss through non-surgical means, and have type II diabetes that has not responded adequately to lifestyle measures (+/- metformin) with HbA1c < 7%.

++ Action points should be lowered by 2.5 BMI points for Asians.

+++ HbA1c > 7.5 despite fully optimized conventional therapy, especially if weight is increasing, or other weight-responsive co-morbidities not achieving targets on conventional therapies.

Impact and Endorsements

The new recommendations significantly lowered cut-off BMIs making many more patients eligible for surgery. Theoretically, an Asian patient with a BMI as low as 27.5 could be a candidate for metabolic surgery, provided other conditions are met. This is a significant shift from the previously recommended cut-offs.

These have received widespread attention in the medical community and have been endorsed by several medical bodies – The American Heart Foundation (AHA), the American Medical Association (AMA), The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS), and The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE).

Confused if you qualify for bariatric surgery or not? Consult us at Smart Cliniqs and we will schedule your appointment with the best bariatric surgeon in Delhi.

Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery

Understanding the Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery: What You Need to Know

Overview of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is increasingly being accepted as a viable option for treating morbid obesity and its associated diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Surgery provides long-term sustained weight loss as well as resolution of co-morbid conditions.

The benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous but there are also a few risks and side effects associated with various bariatric surgical procedures.

Common Bariatric Procedures in India

The most common bariatric surgical procedures performed in India are:

laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy,

laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass, and

laparoscopic mini gastric bypass.

Immediate Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery

There are a few immediate side effects that can happen after bariatric surgery like bleeding, leak, intestinal obstruction, and venous thromboembolism. The side effects due to malnutrition or undernutrition are seen in the long term, particularly after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

The incidence of bleeding is less than 4% in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Most cases can be managed by blood transfusions alone. Some cases might require laparoscopy to stop the bleeding. A leak from the anastomosis site or sleeve staple line occurs in about 0.7% to 5% of the patients. If the leak is early, re-laparoscopy with identification of the leak and its closure is done with adequate drainage, bowel rest, and antibiotics.

Similarly leaks after a mini gastric bypass can be managed early by drainage and conversion of the procedure to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass along with a feeding tube in the intestines. The other rare immediate problem can be that of wound infection which is managed by dressing and antibiotics. Obesity is an independent risk factor for thromboembolism which is the clotting of blood in the veins of the body particularly the legs. This is best avoided by taking heparin injections for the first few days after the surgery and wearing graded pressure stockings for a few weeks. Early active mobilization is the best precautionary method.

Long-Term Side Effects and Nutritional Deficiencies

Lately, there can be obstruction of the intestines due to various factors which result in pain and distension of the abdomen along with vomiting. The possible causes usually are smoking, and the formation of ulcers. This can be identified by doing an endoscopy or a CT scan. Treatment of the possible causes can be done immediately.

After bariatric surgery, iron, vitamin B12, and other micronutrient deficiencies can occur. Iron deficiency occurs in patients within 2 to 5 years after surgery. Supplementation with iron can reduce iron deficiency significantly. Calcium and vitamin D absorption are impaired after gastric bypass as well. We obtain a complete blood count and iron, B12, calcium, folic acid, vitamin D, levels before surgery, 6 months and 1 year after surgery, and yearly thereafter. We recommend routine daily supplementation with a multivitamin, iron, vitamin B12, and calcium along with vitamin D supplementation depending on the serum levels.

Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome is a common side effect after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB) surgery. This usually occurs due to poor food choices. It is related to the ingestion of refined sugars (including high fructose corn syrup) or high glycemic carbohydrates. It can also occur with dairy products, some fats, and fried foods.

The fact is that these foods will interfere with long-term weight loss and should not be eaten anyway.

Symptoms start typically 20-30 min after the food. It includes sweating, flushing, lightheadedness, tachycardia, palpitations, desire to lie down, upper abdominal fullness, nausea, diarrhea, cramping, and active audible bowel sounds.

Conclusion

In summary, although bothersome and sometimes worrisome, dumping syndrome is not a life-threatening problem. Patients need to learn about and read basic nutrition labels. The benefit is that it teaches patients quickly that certain foods and additives cannot be tolerated. Patient compliance and commitment to long-term follow-up are mandatory.

In short, the side effects of bariatric surgery are rare. Timely
identification and intervention are the keys to preventing serious complications.

Still confused about bariatric surgery? Then schedule your consultation with the top bariatric surgeon in Delhi at Smart Cliniqs.

Obesity in Metros

Addressing the Growing Concern of Obesity in Metros: Causes and Implications

Obesity is a medical condition when a person carries excessive weight. It increases the risk of various non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc. For weight maintenance, energy intake should be equal to energy expenditure. Imbalance leads to underweight and obesity.

Adults residing in Metropolitan cities are increasingly becoming obese. Even Childhood obesity is also emerging as a major health concern in metros. The reasons being excess consumption of calorie-dense fast food, processed food, ready-to-eat food, etc. Portion sizes that fast food restaurants offer contribute to excessive energy intake. As most of the fast foods are made of refined cereals, fat, and sugar. There is a drastic decrease in energy expenditure owing to reduced physical activity as people use motorized means of transport and spend most of their awake time sitting glued to Television, mobile phones, and Laptops. The present work culture in the corporate and public sectors is also responsible for obesity in adults. Long working hours, late night shifts, sitting jobs, sleep deprivation, excessive tea and coffee consumption, and unhealthy snacking in offices predispose obesity.

Obesity surgery in India is being performed to facilitate weight loss in children and adults when non-surgical treatment strategies fail. Although GI surgeons and general surgeons in India are performing obesity surgery specially trained bariatric surgeons are now available. Bariatric surgery is growing as a specialty in itself. as surgery constitutes only a small part in overall management. A fully equipped, and well-staffed department is a must for the dedicated follow up which is so essential for good outcomes. A dedicated high-volume Bariatric surgery unit in a tertiary care hospital is your best bet if you are seeking bariatric surgery.

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Can Malnutrition cause obesity?

How Malnutrition Can Cause Obesity: Insights from Top Bariatric Surgeons

Obesity is a multi-factorial disease; it simply means that, no single cause which can be solely attributed to it. It is also well known that scientists do not know exactly what exactly causes weight gain. Often, we all see people who can eat whatever comes their way and they still remain thin. With the exception of these lucky few, we are programmed to gain weight with age.

According to top bariatric surgeons, it is a matter of the balance between what you eat, and how much you spend. If we consume calorie-dense food regularly and don’t burn those extra calories, we are likely to gain weight. But can malnutrition cause obesity?

Surprisingly yes.

Obesity Surgeons who treat obese teens know that children who were underweight at birth are prone to gain too much weight in their childhood and adolescence. Children who faced food shortages during famines later on developed abdominal obesity, the classic Indian Subcontinent profile of thin people with paunch, the so-called thin- obese in medical jargon. As we know that the tummy fat or abdominal obesity is the medically worst. This fat is the harmfully active type that leads to diabetes, heart disease, and cholesterol disorders, the so-called metabolic syndrome.

Malnutrition means not eating right; right food at the right time. People who starve for too long to lose weight are initially successful in losing some weight, but complex hormonal reactions result in weight regain, overshooting the earlier weight. This is known Yo-Yo dieting. Secondly, prolonged fasting slows down our metabolism and stops losing further weight, and starts regaining on the same diet. We tend to lose more muscle mass than fat during the starvation phase and fail to regain our muscle back. So with each dieting cycle of malnutrition, we lose more and more muscle mass and gain more fat.

Starvation or fasts followed by eating calorie-rich low protein food ultimately results in further weight gain and obesity. The best bariatric surgeons know well from their experience that protein-deficient diets after bariatric surgery are counterproductive in the long run and patients may end up regaining all their weight.

Malnutrition can really make us obese.

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Bariatric Surgery Hospital in Delhi

Choosing the Best Bariatric Surgery Hospital in Delhi for Effective Weight Loss

Delhi is the popular destination for medical tourism. Patients from every corner of the world come to Delhi, India for bariatric surgery. Many hospitals in Delhi are currently performing the surgery. Bariatric surgery hospitals in Delhi are specialized centers with trained and expert surgeons and specialized paramedic staff. In Delhi, both private and government hospitals are performing bariatric surgery. To name a few, private hospitals like Indraprastha Apollo hospitals, Max Healthcare, BLK super specialty, Fortis, Medanta hospital are performing bariatric surgery in Delhi. Premier government hospitals like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ram Manohar Lohia (RML), Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP) are also performing bariatric surgeries.

Roux-en-y- gastric bypass surgery is the “gold standard” procedure. It refers to a type of bariatric surgical procedure in which the stomach is divided into a small pouch and then the small intestine is rearranged and connected to the newly created pouch. Roux-en-y- gastric bypass surgery is used to promote weight loss and also improve weight related issues like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea, infertility, hypothyroid, joint pain, backache etc.

Obese patients have a compromised vitamin and mineral intake due to excess energy consumption. Drastic weight loss post roux-en-y-gastric bypass surgery compounds the already present vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Patients who undergo Roux-en-y-gastric bypass surgery should attend regular follow-up sessions with a registered dietician so that deficiencies could be identified and treated at an early stage.

Obesity in Children and Adolescents

Addressing Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Causes, Risks, and Effective Interventions

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in both children and adolescents, in both sexes and in various ethnic and racial groups.

Many factors, including genetics, environment, metabolism, lifestyle, and eating habits, are believed to play a role in the development of obesity. However, more than 90% of cases are idiopathic; less than 10% are associated with hormonal or genetic causes.

Defining Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence

There is no single definition of obesity in childhood and adolescence.

Consensus committees all over the world have concluded that children and adolescents be considered overweight or obese if the BMI exceeds the 85th or 95th percentiles, on curves generated from the 1963-1965 and 1966-1970 NHANES, or exceeds 30 kg/m² at any age.

Energy Intake and Sedentary Lifestyle

During childhood and adolescence, excess fat accumulates when total energy intake exceeds total energy expenditure. Reduced energy expenditure is attributed to modern-day sedentary lifestyles. This is particularly associated with excessive television viewing, excessive computer use, and insufficient physical activity. Also, this is often seen when feedings are supplemented with additives such as carbohydrates or fat.

Hormonal Dysfunction and Familial Obesity

Some hormonal dysfunction like that in ghrelin leptin hormonal axis may be the causative factor in as many as 10% of obese children, particularly in those who appear to manifest familial morbid obesity.

Race and ethnicity are also associated with increased rates of obesity in children and adolescents.

Childhood Obesity as a Predictor of Adult Obesity

Childhood obesity is predictive of adult obesity such as with 80% of teenagers who are obese continue to be obese as adults.

This is associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, gallstones, and hypercholesterolemia.

Chest Conditions Associated with Childhood Obesity

There are serious chest conditions associated with childhood obesity like reactive airways, poor exercise tolerance, increased work of breathing, and increased oxygen consumption.

They might develop obesity-hypoventilation syndrome and experience right-sided heart failure with right ventricular hypertrophy.

Acute Complications of Childhood Obesity

Acute complications of childhood obesity include hyperlipidemia, accelerated growth and bone maturation, ovarian hyperandrogenism and gynecomastia, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and pseudotumor cerebri.

There is an increased incidence of fatty liver and they might develop liver cirrhosis and kidney disease.
Obstructive Sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing are common in children and adolescents with obesity which might lead to neurocognitive dysfunction.
Excess weight in children can cause numerous orthopedic disorders, including genu valgum, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, with bowing of the long bones.
Emotional and psychosocial sequelae are also widespread in obese children.
Social isolation, peer problems, and lower self-esteem are frequently observed.
Gout and colorectal cancer rates are found to be increased among men who had obesity as adolescents as well as arthritis.

Therapeutic Interventions for Childhood Obesity

Any therapeutic intervention in the child with obesity in aimed to achieve control of weight gain and reduction in body mass index (BMI) safely and effectively and to prevent the long-term complications of obesity in childhood and adulthood.

These might also require psychiatric assistance for unusual eating disorders or severe depression. It involves a team involving nurse educators, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and counsellors.

Parental Involvement and Lifestyle Changes

Parents must advice children to walk at least 20 to 30 min daily. Limit their television timings and must indulge in vigorous exercise with children. Low-calorie balanced diet, in association with patient and parent education, behavioral modification, and exercise can limit weight gain in many patients with mild or moderate obesity. Reductions in total and saturated fat may be particularly useful in adolescents who consume large quantities of high-fat, snack, and packaged fast foods, including french fries, pizza, chips, and crackers. Also, they might sometimes require and care if evidence of psychopathology or dysfunction is present.

Bariatric Surgery for Childhood Obesity

According to Dr. Atul NC Peters, one of the pioneers of weight loss treatment in Delhi and among the top 10 obesity surgeons in India, various bariatric surgical procedures have been performed in “carefully selected” patients with a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m ² who have severe comorbidities such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It is important to consider several other factors before deciding whether a child or adolescent should undergo bariatric surgery like previous attempts at weight loss, and ability to adhere to follow-up care. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most widely performed procedure in childhood obesity nowadays.

Evidence suggests that bariatric surgery can decrease the grade of steatosis, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. With more and more people opting for various bariatric surgical procedures, weight loss surgery cost in Delhi has been such that it is becoming affordable day by day and several finance and loan schemes are also available in special circumstances.

Bariatric Surgery in Delhi

The Rise of Bariatric Surgery in Delhi: A Comprehensive Solution for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Increasing Prevalence of Obesity

There is a dramatic increase in prevalence of obesity. The traditional approaches like dietary and lifestyle modification, physical activity, and pharmacotherapy fail to facilitate weight loss and treat obesity. So, bariatric surgery is the most sustainable treatment option. Bariatric surgery also promises improvement in obesity-related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, arthritis, etc. so, the term bariatric surgery is now replaced with bariatric and metabolic surgery. These days metabolic surgery for diabetes has emerged as a proven tool for the resolution or control of type 2 diabetes. This weight loss treatment in Delhi is being done only at specialized centers, by adequately trained and expert surgeons. Thus it gives a permanent cure to this traditionally regarded as a progressive, unrelenting disease called type 2 diabetes.

Bariatric Surgery in Delhi

In the last few years, there has been an increase in weight loss treatment in Delhi. Many centers are currently performing bariatric surgery. Patients from every corner of India prefer to come to Delhi for bariatric surgery owing to the availability of the best medical facilities, trained and experienced bariatric surgeons, and specialized paramedic staff. Even International patients prefer Delhi, India for bariatric surgery.
Sleeve gastrectomy and roux-en-Y gastric bypass are the most commonly performed weight loss procedures. Metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes targets patients with uncontrolled diabetes who are currently on oral drugs and insulin. Scientific literature reports that bariatric and metabolic surgery results in weight loss, improvement/ normalization of blood sugar levels, reduction/ withdrawal of diabetes medications, and decrease in cardiovascular disease risk factors. It is a simple procedure and the patients may be able to leave the hospital in one day or even the same day in selected cases.

Comparing Surgical Procedures

In patients with reflux disease and type 2 diabetes, the results of sleeve gastrectomy may be inferior to the roux-en-Y gastric bypass but the excess weight loss of both the procedures may be comparable in a select subgroup of patients.

Nutritional Considerations Post-Surgery

Nutritional deficiencies are present in obese patients as consumption of a high-energy diet compromises on protein, vitamin, and mineral intake. As Sleeve gastrectomy and roux-en-Y gastric bypass involve removal or bypassing of some parts of the stomach and /or small intestine, so, macronutrient (protein) and micronutrient deficiencies (calcium, iron, B12, vitamin D, folate, etc.) are very likely to occur post-operatively in the patients. Nutritional assessment remains the key component pre-operatively and post-operatively to identify, prevent, and treat nutritional deficiencies at an early stage. Nutritional assessment involves taking physical measurements of the body (height, weight, etc.), analyzing blood and urine samples, identifying deficiency signs and symptoms, and performing a comprehensive dietary assessment.

Ensuring Surgical Success

Consuming a well-balanced energy-restricted diet with vitamin and mineral supplements and timely follow-up with the bariatric team promises success of the surgery.

Weight loss surgery in India

Why India is Emerging as a Top Destination for Weight Loss Surgery

Rising Obesity Rates in India

With the persisting need to address the problem of malnutrition, India has developed another nutritional problem, obesity. According to the National Family Health Survey 4, the number of obese people in the country has doubled in the last decade.

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

It is a known fact now that obesity is the major reason for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Several studies have revealed that obesity accounts for 80-85% risk of developing type 2 Diabetes. Moreover, most of the world’s population lives in countries where overweight and obesity kill more people than underweight.

Bariatric Surgery as an Effective Solution

Bariatric surgery is now more efficacious than lifestyle changes or medical treatment for sustained weight loss and remission of Type 2 Diabetes.

Cost-Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgery

The cost of weight loss surgery versus the cost of medicines and lifestyle changes has been debated extensively. Similarly, not only savings but also cost-effectiveness of weight loss surgery have also been discussed. Various studies have demonstrated cost-effectiveness and cost savings for bariatric procedures compared with usual medical care or intensive lifestyle interventions. All of these studies have been carried out in setups where weight loss surgery has been expensive as compared to the eastern world.

Delhi: A Hub for Medical Tourism

New Delhi, the capital city of India has now become a popular destination for medical tourism. Millions of foreign tourists visit India annually for their medical needs. There are many world-class and reputed hospitals in Delhi, which provide exemplary services in the field of medical care. The presence of highly qualified and experienced weight loss surgeons along with institutions of international repute have made Delhi a prime city for weight loss surgeries in India.

Reasons to Choose India for Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery

According to Dr. Atul NC Peters, Senior Consultant and Head of Apollo Institute of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, more and more patients are flying from the Western world for bariatric surgery in India. Not only for weight loss surgery, but people have also started travelling for metabolic surgery for Diabetes in India. Reasons for choosing India as a favorite destination for Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery are innumerate, a few of them being:

Bariatric Surgery cost in India is approx. half to one-third of the cost of the Western world.
There are no long waiting lists, as patients seeking weight loss surgery in Delhi are given almost immediate treatment.
International accredited hospitals and surgeons.
Dedicated bariatric surgical program which includes a team of expert surgeons, nurses, dieticians, and bariatric care specialists.
Fully equipped operation theaters with trained anesthetist.
Dedicated intensivist with exposure to more than a thousand operated bariatric surgical patients.
Safe and effective results.
Long-term follow-up schedules.
Options for single incision surgery.
Options of Robotic Surgery.

Hence India is now a preferred destination for weight loss surgery as well as metabolic surgery.

How Does Bariatric Surgery Reverse Diabetes?

How Bariatric Surgery Can Reverse Diabetes and Improve Overall Health

Obesity is the root cause of diverse diseases such as Asthma, sleep apnea, cardiovascular problems, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, joint pains and most important some forms of cancers.

Obesity increases insulin resistance in the body leading to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and also results in Metabolic Syndrome.

There are various ways to deal with these problems which include changes in lifestyle and modification in the eating habits and use of certain drugs. But almost all of the studies conducted have come to the conclusion that these therapies are not effective in providing sustained weight loss. Bariatric surgery has been the most effective treatment option till date which results in effective and sustained weight loss along with resolution of the other problems associated with obesity.

There are various bariatric and metabolic surgical procedures available which can be done by Laparoscopic Techniques as well as with Robotic assistance. They include Sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Mini Gastric Bypass, Ileal Interposition, Duodeno-Jejunal Bypass, and so on.

Mechanism of resolution of Diabetes Mellitus:

The intestine is now considered as a metabolic organ and this new insight can be utilized for the treatment of Diabetes. Bariatric and metabolic surgery leads to changes in the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract resulting in the treatment of obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Reason Behind How Bariatric Surgery Reverse Diabetes?

The quick lowering of blood sugar after bariatric surgery is due to hormonal changes after re-routing of the small intestine and not purely do the restriction of the calorie intake. It has been proposed and proved that after bariatric surgery there is an augmented release of certain hormones like GLP-1 and PYY from the small intestine that leads to improvement in the high blood sugar levels. These hormones not only decrease the cellular resistance to insulin, they also increase the efficiency of insulin. There is also decreased production of glucose from the liver due to their effects.

After surgery, long-term follow-up for the best results is a must. It’s a complete lifestyle change. One must follow instructions carefully for optimum results.There are absolute guidelines decided by the international diabetes federation for the selection of patients who can be benefitted from surgery.

These surgeries must be done at the best bariatric and metabolic surgical centers doing these surgeries routinely and under expert care and experienced hands. Although hospital stay remains from 2 to 3 days, a strict and regular follow-up is a must.

Obesity Discrimination and Gastric Bypass Surgery

Understanding Obesity Discrimination: Types, Impact, and Effective Solutions

Definition: Obesity Discrimination

Obesity discrimination can be defined in either of several ways, including:
1. The unjust treatment of an overweight or obese person based on bias, or misconception.
2. Ill-treatment of obese people purely because of their weight as compared to non-obese people.

There are mostly four types of discrimination prominently described: Employment, Health Care, Education, and Relationships

Employment Discrimination:

Several studies have shown that obese people find more difficulty in finding a job, are paid lower wages, are discriminated against in promotions, and have more likelihood of early termination.

Healthcare Discrimination:

It is unfortunate that even, doctors and healthcare workers are not immune from obesity discrimination. It is a place where caring, trust, and unbiased treatment should be guaranteed. The problem is, that most of the doctors do not have a sound knowledge of obesity or its treatment.

Physicians spend less time discussing health with obese patients. They are more biased towards technical issues rather than discussing nutrition to patient’s obesity.

Discrimination at Schools:

At schools, discrimination is a bigger concern. It causes emotional distress, as children who are obese are less likely to succeed. It appeared in various studies that young men had a much lower chance of attaining higher education than their normal-weight counterparts. Obesity was also associated with lower educational attainments than normal-weight students.

Discrimination in relationships:

When it comes to finding a romantic partner, obesity appears to play a big role, especially for women. When studied among people, it was found that boys were less interested in looking for obese women.

Effectively Addressing Obesity Discrimination: Tips For All 4 Types Of Discrimination

The ideal solution is obvious: weight loss treatment.

Finding the medically supervised weight loss treatment program composed of the right diet and exercise is the most appropriate first step.

Research has shown diet and exercise programs supervised by a medical professional to be much more effective than doing it alone.

If your body mass index is over 35 which means that you are morbidly obese and attempts at sufficient weight loss, even under a medically supervised program, have yielded no results, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery or laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

It has been proved time and again that bariatric surgery results in sustained weight loss in morbidly obese people. In other words, Bariatric surgery may improve occupational outcomes in morbidly obese individuals by reducing levels of unemployment and absenteeism. The evidence regarding this is limited and studies are needed before any conclusions could be drawn on this aspect. Similarly, there could also be economic, social, and psychological benefits of bariatric surgery which might help in improving relationships among individuals after weight loss.

It is advisable to visit a well-experienced bariatric surgeon as they usually have more knowledge about caring for obese patients, and they also work with doctors who are empathetic toward the difficulties of being obese.
Similarly, the research suggests that an obese child, especially an obese girl, is more likely to succeed in schools where obesity is more common.
If you find that your weight is getting in the way of your romantic relationships, several options may help:

First and foremost: weight loss treatment
• Consider dating partners who are also overweight or obese
• Choose partners who are willing to get to know you as a person before judging you only by your appearance

Consider Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery if you are morbidly obese.
There are certain non-surgical options also available like endoscopic intra-gastric balloons which are available these days to lose weight for overweight people.

These methods are temporary but might result in good outcomes for people who are serious and motivated.