Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Obesity. Let’s dive in!
Severe obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher, is rapidly increasing.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, approximately 16% of the global adult population was classified as obese. This number has more than doubled since 1990.
This trend is particularly noticeable in men and younger age groups. Additionally, the rising rate of childhood and adolescent obesity suggests that severe obesity will continue to increase in the future.
Studies show that 80–90% of children and adolescents with obesity will become obese adults, increasing the risk of serious health complications.
The Complex Causes of Severe Obesity
Severe obesity is not caused by a single factor but is influenced by multiple complex reasons. Some of the main causes include:
- Socioeconomic and educational factors – lower income and education levels
- Mental health disorders – stress, depression, behavioral disorders, and eating disorders
- Medications – certain drugs can cause weight gain
- Sleep disorders – poor sleep patterns can contribute to obesity
- Neurotransmitter imbalances – disruptions in serotonin, catecholamines, and histamine levels
- High-calorie processed foods – cheap, unhealthy food options
- Obesogenic environments – surroundings that promote unhealthy eating habits
- Genetic predisposition – a family history of obesity
Obesity is also linked to mental health issues. Studies indicate that 15–60% of obese individuals seek psychiatric treatment, showing a strong connection between obesity and psychological factors.
Among patients undergoing bariatric surgery, 30% are also receiving psychiatric care.
Treating Severe Obesity with Bariatric Surgery
Severe obesity is associated with life-threatening health risks, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
According to the WHO, in 2019, 5 million deaths worldwide were linked to high BMI-related non-communicable diseases. (who.int)
The CDC reported that, between August 2021 and August 2023, 40.3% of U.S. adults were obese, with 9.4% classified as severely obese. (cdc.gov)
Due to these alarming statistics, bariatric surgery is considered a viable treatment option for patients with severe obesity.
This surgical intervention can:
- Promote significant weight loss
- Improve obesity-related complications
- Enhance overall quality of life
However, the degree of weight loss and health improvement varies for each individual.
Many patients hesitate to undergo surgery due to fear and misunderstandings, but it is important to recognize that obesity is not just a lifestyle issue but a medical condition requiring appropriate treatment.
Misconceptions About Severe Obesity Delay Treatment
Many people still believe that obesity results from laziness or a lack of willpower, but this is not true.
Obesity is a medically recognized disease, and it cannot be solved simply through determination or lifestyle changes, especially in cases of severe obesity.
Our bodies have a built-in weight-regulation mechanism, known as the set point. When a person loses weight, their body perceives it as damage and works to restore the lost weight.
To do this, the brain and gut release hormones that trigger intense hunger and slow metabolism.
Since this process occurs in the hypothalamus, which controls basic survival instincts, it cannot be overridden by willpower—just like a person cannot control their heartbeat at will.
Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery: What to Expect
In South Korea, the two most commonly performed bariatric surgeries are:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy (68% of procedures)
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (9.5% of procedures)
The adjustable gastric band procedure, which gained notoriety due to a high-profile case, is now rarely performed due to severe complications.
1. Sleeve Gastrectomy
This procedure removes a large portion of the stomach, reducing its size to 80–100cc.
- Reduces hunger by eliminating ghrelin, the hormone responsible for appetite
- Lower risk of long-term nutrient deficiencies compared to gastric bypass
- Fewer post-surgical complications
However, studies suggest that weight loss effects may be slightly lower compared to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.
2. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
This surgery creates a small stomach pouch (around 30cc) that is connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and duodenum.
- Reduces food intake and absorption
- Can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes
- Effective for severe obesity and metabolic conditions
However, long-term vitamin deficiencies (e.g., B12 and D) may occur, increasing the risk of anemia and osteoporosis.
Which Surgery is Better?
- If the main goal is treating type 2 diabetes, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is preferred.
- If a patient smokes, they may have a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and should consider Sleeve Gastrectomy instead.
| Expected Weight Loss Timeline
- First 3 months – Rapid weight loss of 20% of body weight
- First year – Additional 10% weight loss
- After 1 year – Weight stabilizes
Long-term studies show that after 5–10 years:
- Weight loss is more stable with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Patients who undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy may regain about 5% of their lost weight
Is Surgery the Only Solution for Severe Obesity?
Experts emphasize that bariatric surgery is currently the only long-term solution for severe obesity.
While new obesity medications claim to help patients lose 20% of their body weight, they are not yet a standalone treatment.
Once medication is discontinued, most patients regain the lost weight, making them a temporary or supplementary option rather than a permanent solution.
For individuals with severe obesity, bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment for sustained weight loss and health improvement.
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
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