Obesity can be considered a universal epidemic and is a major public health problem, especially in developed countries. It is a chronic disease characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, which predisposes to diseases as important as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or even some tumors. The most important thing is to be aware of the disease and seek help in specialized units to find the most effective therapeutic alternative. The obese patient requires a comprehensive approach carried out by a multidisciplinary team in order to guarantee the best results, not only in weight loss but also in the analysis and treatment of those disorders that may contribute to obesity and the complications derived from it.
The basic treatment of obesity consists of lifestyle modification, which includes changes in eating habits and increased physical activity. In addition, psychological support constitutes a support to medical treatment by facilitating the acquisition of correct eating habits and improving adherence to treatment. Approaching a balance between physical and mental health benefits our quality of life.
In those obese patients in whom the repeated failure of conventional treatments has been proven, and in the absence of contraindications, surgical treatment should be considered. Laparoscopic surgery (non-open surgery) simplifies the postoperative course and reduces hospitalization. However, the techniques that offer the best long-term results, with minimal post-operative and metabolic complications for the patient are the implantation of an Adjustable Gastric Band around the stomach and the Gastric Bypass.
The only long-term curative solution for patients with severe or morbid obesity is obesity surgery, bariatric surgery. It is estimated that morbidly obese patients who undergo surgery live, on average, 12 years longer than morbidly obese patients who do not undergo surgery. In addition, surgery significantly improves the complications associated with obesity: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart and coronary heart disease, sleep apnea.
These techniques are complemented by a program directed by the endocrinologist, in which the patient maintains weekly visits with the dietician to design a tailored diet and attends group therapy sessions to facilitate the modification of their erroneous lifestyle habits in order to achieve the weight loss goals set.