Obesity increases the risk of other diseases such as systemic arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, fatty liver, infertility, joint problems of the spine, hips and lower extremities – Photo: Disclosure

Obesity is a complex and multifactorial health condition characterized by a combination of risk factors including genetic, behavioral and socioeconomic factors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.9 billion adults are overweight and 650 million are obese. Children may also be affected: about 41 million children under five are overweight or obese. These findings highlight the importance of discussing strategies for living healthier lives.

Excessive consumption of high-calorie foods, lack of physical activity, genetic predisposition, psychological factors and limited access to healthy foods are some of the main triggers for this condition. Lawyer Maria Teresa Olinger Berndt Peters, 35, weighed more than 100kg and was advised to seek bariatric surgery after she was diagnosed with a serious orthopedic problem in her hip, which was made worse by obesity. “Everyone around me supported me in my decision because they had followed my struggle with obesity for years and saw how I suffered from hip pain every day,” explains Maria Teresa.

Treatment for obesity is individualized and may include lifestyle changes, counseling, medications, or bariatric surgery, depending on the severity of the case. After the surgery, in addition to weight loss, Peters noticed an improvement in his quality of life: “better sleep, breathing ability and libido.” Less headaches and more energy. Absolutely all aspects of my life have improved,” the lawyer notes.

Felipe Coleschi, a bariatric surgeon at the Santa Catarina de Blumenau Hospital since 2000, shows that the best strategy is prevention, such as a healthy diet, good sleep and exercise. “Since obesity is influenced by biological and social factors, it is necessary to implement public policies to promote health and implement measures to prevent excessive weight gain,” explains the doctor.

Dr. Kolesky explains that obesity increases the risk of other diseases such as systemic arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, fatty liver, infertility, and joint problems in the spine, hips and lower extremities. In addition to the diseases mentioned above, obesity increases the risk of developing stomach, colon, pancreatic and breast cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.9 billion adults are overweight and 650 million are obese. Photo: Disclosure

According to lawyer Maria, bariatric surgery should not be the first option: “there are traditional methods that help many people, I have tried them all before.” In her opinion, the operation does not change habits, “we change.”

In surgical cases, bariatric surgery is a suitable option only for patients aged 18 to 65 years, with a body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 39.9, with comorbidities, or with a BMI greater than 40, with or without comorbidities.

“More realistically, bariatric surgery produces up to 35 to 40 percent weight loss while maintaining weight in about 70 percent of people who undergo the procedure,” the surgeon explains.

Because this is a complex health condition, individualized treatment under the guidance of healthcare professionals is necessary for effective management. “My advice is to read a lot on the topic, seek out good doctors, be willing to change your lifestyle forever, and know that bariatrics requires the same commitment as any other weight loss method,” says the lawyer.

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