Bariatric operations are cost-effective not only for individuals with major obesity, but also in case of moderately obese patients. This conclusion was brought after summary of 170 studies, performed by the team from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, USA. Scientist suggest that anyone with a BMI above 30 kg/m2 should have an access to this kind of treatment.
After an exact analysis it was demonstrated that the operated patients not only have lost the excess of body weight, but also the amount of medical interventions related to their obesity decreased. This allowed for the significant reduction of treatment costs. By simplification – the normalization of weight – eliminated the other disorders. Obesity is linked as well with excessive accumulation of fat tissue and with adverse effects on health. Excess of body weight increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, gallstones, renal diseases, some types of cancer (e.g. endometrial cancer), inflammation of bones and joints, therefore reducing the expected length of life. All these diseases require considerable funding for treatment. Severe obesity leads to disability, which also generates costs related the work absence or the lack of employment. The most common cause of obesity is eating too big amounts of food. In addition, in the pathogenesis of overweight other factors are implemented – genetic, biological, pharmacological, environmental and psychological. According to the WHO prognosis, in the year 2020 all over USA almost 28% of the population will be obese and in the 2030 up to 41%.
Scientists carrying out this study claim that, if costs of lifetime medical care of an obese patient is taken into account, bariatric operation significantly reduces the amount of money spent on treatment. National Institute of Health (USA) has issued guidelines for qualification to the bariatric operations. Candidates should have BMI of 40 or higher (100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds for women) or BMI between 35 and 40, if they have any diseases related to obesity. Most insurance companies pay for the procedure, when the patient meets these criteria. Among the different therapeutic strategies, including diet, exercise and medication, only bariatric surgery is proved to be effective in maintaining the body weight in the normal range. Although such treatment costs 20-25 thousand dollars, the data collected from 170 studies on the operational treatment of obesity, has demonstrated that this expenditure is viable. Summary considered above is the biggest so far comparison of the health benefits, as well as material arising from bariatric operations. Detailed analysis has revealed that these benefits relate to individuals with severe obesity (BMI over 40) and patients with BMI between 35 and 40, even not burdened with obesity related disorders. Scientists performing this summary study did not compare the type of bariatric operation, because every surgical intervention entailed significant benefits. Hence, it is concluded that the operative treatment should be available to every obese patient. This is simply worth it.
This study was supported by the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation and the American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professorship.
Written by: Karolina Kłoda MD, PhD
Source:
1. Su-Hsin Chang, Carolyn R.T. Stoll, Graham A. Colditz. Cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery: Should it be universally available? Maturitas, 2011; 69 (3): 230 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.04.007
2. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 17, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2011/07/110714120859.htm
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