Losing weight in a healthy way

Invasive surgical procedures should be the last resort for people wishing to lose weight

An active lifestyle is the ideal way to lose weight, not invasive surgery. Paulo Vecina / The National
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Losing weight is a common struggle for many people here in the UAE, as in any part of the world. Being obese can open the door to serious health problems, including diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, reflux and sleep apnoea. It can also lead to psychological consequences, including lowered self-esteem and anxiety, or more serious problems such as depression and eating disorders, which include binge eating, bulimia and anorexia.

Doctors say that invasive weight-loss surgeries, such as lap-band systems, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, have become increasingly popular, particularly among Emiratis and other Gulf Arabs. But for most people they don't present the ideal solution to reduce weight loss and overall fitness. Such operations, according to doctors, can have serious side effects.

Its with any surgical procedure, there is always the risk of infection of the surgical wounds. Moreover, each one of these operations has its own risks. A gastric bypass, for example, can cause lung and breathing problems and lead to nutritional deficiencies. Laparoscopic gastric banding can damage the stomach, causing inflammation.

These operations should only be considered as a last resort after other attempts at weight loss – by modifications to diet and the introduction of a sensible exercise regime – fail, or the need is urgent. Extreme cases require extreme measures and patients should not be denied proven treatments it they are available.

For this reason, the introduction of eligibility requirements for surgery – including a high body mass index or urgent medical reasons – is a good move. At the same time, people who opt for these procedures must be aware of how weight-loss surgery could affect their lives, physically and psychologically.

They must also be prepared to fulfil post-operation requirements such as maintaining a healthy diet, taking nutritional supplements if needed and monitoring their diet. Surgery of this type should not be performed for purely cosmetic reasons. Our health, not our body-image, should always be a priority.