Obesity, characterized as an abnormally high, unhealthy amount of body fat, has become a common disease throughout the United States. Individuals with obesity often develop a variety of other health conditions, known as comorbidities, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis.
Obese individuals also remain at an elevated risk of some types of cancer. The risk of developing specific subtypes of breast (particularly in postmenopausal women), colorectal, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, pancreatic, and gallbladder cancers increases with obesity.
Recent medical and technological advances have led to surgical procedures that can result in significant weight loss. Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by surgically altering the body’s digestive processes. Various types of bariatric surgery focus on different components of the digestive system. Some procedures surgically reduce the stomach size so the patient will feel full sooner and may eat less. Other strategies target the small intestine, altering how the body absorbs food and nutrients.
