Weight Loss Surgery: Is It Right for You?

Obesity rates are on the rise in the U.S. It is a complex disease influenced by many health factors. Bariatric Surgeon Keenan Berghoff, MD, medical director of the Total Weight Loss Center, recently shared the classifications, causes, health risks, prevalence and treatment options.

1. Classifications: Body mass index is a tool doctors use to determine if you are at a healthy weight. It is a calculation that uses your weight and height to measure overall body fat.

2. Causes: A sedentary lifestyle, some medications, diseases (i.e., Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome), socioeconomic status and eating disorders contribute to obesity.

3. Health Risks: Excessive weight can put you at risk of developing serious and possibly life-threatening health issues, such as:

• Cataracts
• Certain cancers
• Gallbladder, heart, liver and pulmonary disease
• Gout
• Gynecological problems
• High blood pressure
• Osteoarthritis
• Pancreatitis
• Phlebitis
• Skin issues
• Stroke

4. Prevalence: More than 30% of Americans are obese, and that number is expected to increase to over 50% by 2030.

5. Treatment Options: Therapies include behavior therapy, nutrition therapy, pharmacotherapy, physical activity and surgery. The Total Weight Loss Center offers three surgical weight loss procedures: sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and modified duodenal switch.

Watch a presentation from Dr. Berghoff.

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Amy Bennett

Amy Bennett is the physician communications coordinator for North Kansas City Hospital. She is editor of Physician Connections, and she writes brochure, web and other communication pieces for North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health. In her spare time, she is often working in her flower garden or volunteering with the Girl Scouts or Pet Partners, a pet therapy organization.