As per the research conducted in New York, obesity is a major risk factor for COVID-19 patients. Those patients who have a BMI of 28 and above have a greater chance to get admission to critical care. Obesity patients are likely to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which is a major cause of COVID-19.
Obesity is not only a cosmetic problem, but it contributes to several other diseases as well. An obese person has a higher risk of developing breathing issues, hypertension, and stroke. It also leads a person towards type-2 diabetes and cancer. According to WHO, obese patients are at a higher risk of catching the COVID-19 infection. Also, the death rate of COVID-19 patients who were obese and diabetic seems to be higher.
It has been noticed that the complication rate gets higher in obese patients due to the difficulty in breathing. The survival rate also gets reduced.
Bariatric/ weight loss surgery seems to provide the ultimate solution for all these problems. It can reverse the negative effects of obesity.
The effects that obesity has on the respiratory system include heavy breathing, resistance developed in the airway, and restrictive pulmonary function impairment. Generally, obesity affects the windpipe which is mainly responsible for breathing in a person. Any defect in windpipe leads to severe breathing issues.
Due to a high percentage of body fat, reductions in chest wall compliance and respiratory track strength is observed. Adverse effects in the respiratory tract are observed due to obesity. Bariatric Surgery is a great way to treat morbidly obese patients. The results are permanent and effective, which leads to a healthier lifestyle. Weight-loss achieved after the surgery improves risk factors of diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, sleep apnea, hypertension, stroke, and respiratory tract problems.
So what is bariatric or weight loss surgery?
Bariatric Surgery or weight loss surgery is performed on obese people with a BMI of 28 and above, it makes changes in the stomach so that a person feels full in lesser time. The amount of food that is consumed by a person reduces and a significant weight-loss is achieved. Any obese person can go for bariatric surgery after expert consultation if diet and exercise fail to work.
Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics center for weight loss surgery is the best in the Asia Pacific. If you are looking for a surgeon with good experience and expertise, Dr. Mohit Bhandari is the one. He has performed surgeries that have gained national and international attention. You can call for consultation – 6232012342
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2020 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensive.