It has been proven that obesity increases the risk of developing more than 40 different diseases, including type 2 diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among many people with excess weight. Therefore, I was particularly interested in a new study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida, which showed that patients with severe obesity experienced a significant (approximately 40%) reduction in the risk of developing ischemic heart disease after weight loss surgery.
Researchers analyzed data from 1,330 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher and no history of ischemic heart disease, who underwent either laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass between 2010 and 2016. The average age of the patients was 51 years, and 67% were women.
Before surgery, all patients had prehypertension; 60% were diagnosed with arterial hypertension, and 40% had type 2 diabetes. For 225 patients, the Framingham risk score—which estimates the 10-year risk of developing heart disease—was eight times higher than that of the general population.
Key findings of the study:
- One year after surgery, the chances of developing ischemic heart disease within the next 10 years decreased by 40%.
- More than 40% of patients completely resolved their diabetes, and 44% of operated patients cured their arterial hypertension.
- Patients lost more than 25% of their total body weight, and their BMI decreased by almost 70%.
Co-author of the study, MD Emanuele Lo Menzo, noted: “Our study shows that bariatric surgery has a significant and unparalleled impact on known risk factors for ischemic heart disease in patients within just one year. No other treatment can achieve such substantial weight loss, improved high blood pressure, and resolution of type 2 diabetes in such a relatively short time. However, it is important for patients to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle after surgery to preserve these results.”
MD Eric J. DeMaria, who was not involved in the study, added: “This study provides additional evidence that treating obesity means treating heart disease and a wide range of other conditions.”
Author
A bariatric surgeon with many years of experience helping patients improve their health and quality of life.
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