As a nation, we have never been fatter. Convenience foods, a lack of understanding as to what we should and shouldnt eat and sedentary lifestyles mean that we do less and eat more. You only have to open a newspaper to see how levels of obesity are rising faster than anyone would have expected. This is a real problem in particular for women and recent surveys have indicated that most women will expect to spend 25% of their lives on one diet or another. This is expensive, demoralising and, generally, unsuccessful
Obesity rates in women have increased dramatically and look to continue to do so. Coronary artery disease, which is much more common in obese women, remains the number one killer of women in the developed world, a sure sign that obesity does kill. In the Framlington Heart Study, the risk of death within 26 years increased by 1% for every extra pound up to ages 42 but 2% for older women,
For many women obesity can also contribute to a variety of health disorders such as high blood pressure, type II diabetes, high cholesterol, joint problems, urinary incontinence and polycystic ovarian syndrome which can cause sub-fertility. For obese women that are able to conceive, they face other problems such a high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, fetal abnormalities and birth injuries.
Media coverage has alerted women to the risks of obesity but also to a variety of treatments known as
bariatric surgeries. These weight loss operations include laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and RNY gastric bypass. They have seen celebrities such as Fern Britton and Sharon Osborne slimming down and becoming much fitter with more energy.
The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LapBand) is performed by keyhole surgery. A silastic band is placed around the stomach. This reduces the overall capacity and space for food. It is adjusted by injecting fluid into a small port placed underneath the skin. Adjustments (fills) reduce the passage of food making the person feel fuller for longer. It is ideal for people who favour large portions
The
Roux-en Y gastric bypass is generally performed by keyhole surgery. It reduces the size of the stomach and bypasses the part of the bowel absorbing most of the calories in foods. It usually only requires a 3-5 night hospital stay and will often result in a loss of 65%+ of the excess weight. It is a slightly riskier procedure but produces a better weight loss than the gastric band and doesnt require adjustments. It is often chosen by sweet eaters and those who snack due to the affect on absorption.
Toni Russo, Consultant Bariatric Nurse for Streamline Surgical said: Its important to understand that these operations significantly reduce obesity related health problems. Its especially effective with women since they become much fitter and tend to have a greater influence on their children regarding food and exercise
Helen, 34, had a gastric band fitted when she was refused infertility treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome: After having to wait ages for a fertility appointment I was devastated to have my hopes dashed as I was too fat for treatment. My partner and I really wanted to have children and I knew that to make this happen I had to address my weight. I knew that bariatric surgery was the answer and as my BMI was 42 I was eligible for a gastric band. Since having the surgery I have lost 5 stone and have also fallen pregnant naturally. We were both thrilled
