Bariatric surgery usually is recommended only for people who have a BMI of 35 or higher and who have tried losing weight using medication or diet and exercise changes without success.
This surgery typically is recommended for those with a BMI of 40 or higher even if they have no obesity-related medical conditions.
For those with a BMI of 35 to 39.9, bariatric surgery generally is recommended when the person also has one or more obesity-related conditions (or co-morbidity), including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders or heart disease.
A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions—including obesity—may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Experts at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center say that partnering with your pet when implementing healthy habits can be a great way to find motivation and make you both happier and healthier.
While being overweight is a precursor to obesity and, like obesity, can increase the risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke, it’s also possible to be overweight and still healthy, especially if you’re free from chronic diseases like hypertension or diabetes.