With obesity increasingly being seen as the ‘mother of all diseases’, a large number of people are going under the knife to shed extra flab. Unhealthy diet and erratic food habits, coupled with inactivity and sedentary lifestyle, have resulted in an alarming increase in obesity among Bengalureans.
City-based bariatric surgeons are observing a trend wherein more young un-married obese people, married couples with fertility problems and those with co-morbidities opting for the surgery.
Obesity increases the risk of developing various health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancers. However, a section of medical professionals are critical of surgical methods of weight loss.
H.S. Prema, nutritionist, says weight loss is a continuous battle and surgeries that involve meddling with healthy organs just provide temporary relief.
“A proper sustainable and feasible management that involves healthy eating habits and exercise is the best option. There are so many cases wherein people have put on weight after a weight loss surgery,” she says adding that healthy eating habits should be inculcated from childhood. Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences C.N. Manjunath says eating food that is high in fat and sugar, especially between meals, contributes significantly to weight gain.
Quoting a European study, he says daily walking for 20 minutes increases a person’s lifespan by seven years. Both these doctors say that obesity is not only about how much you eat and what you eat. “Eating the right food at the right time is important,” they say.
Shivaram H.V., Chief Surgeon and Consultant, Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery at Columbia Asia Hospital, Yeshwantpur, argues although the WHO guidelines say anyone with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30 and above is eligible for surgical weight loss, it is also a ‘safe solution’ for people whose morbid obesity gets in the way of their daily activities that can lead to co-morbid complications. “Patients with a BMI between 25 and 29.9, who are considered overweight, will benefit from diet and exercise,” he says.
Ramesh Makam, Senior Consultant, Department of Gastrointestinal, Minimal Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Vikram Hospital, says there are no clear guidelines for deciding on a bariatric surgery in Asian countries.
“Those with a BMI of 32.5 along with co-morbidities and those with BMI of 35.5 without any co-morbidities are considered fit for the surgery in Asia.,” he says.
(Reporting by Afshan Yasmeen)
Dos and Don’ts
Exercise regularly
Eat right at the right time
Don’t skip meals
Avoid food high in fat and sugar content
