Baylor's Site's Info
People who are obese are at greater risk of death from cancer. In the United States, compared to people of a healthy weight, people who are:6
- Obese (BMI of 30-34.9) have a 9% (men) or 23% (women) increased risk of death from cancer.
- Very obese (BMI of 35-39.9) have a 20% (men) or 32% (women) increased risk of death from cancer.
- Extremely obese (BMI of 40 or higher) have a 52% (men) or 62% (women) increased risk of death from cancer.
See a table of how obesity increases the risk of death from cancer for men and for women.
Weight Management
Baylor's Weight-Loss Surgery
If you are worried about your weight, you're not alone. Obesity is now recognized as an epidemic in the United States with more than 60% of adults exceeding the definition of obese.
And being overweight means you're more likely to experience a wide range of additional health problems as a direct result, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, gallstones, reflux disease, difficult urination, or abnormal menstruation. You also are at an increased risk for certain types of cancer.
Are You Overweight?
Healthcare professionals use body mass index (BMI) as the standard to determine whether a person is overweight or obese. Using a mathematical equation, BMI shows the ratio between a person's height and weight. An adult with a BMI of 25 to 29 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 is obese, and morbid obesity starts at a BMI of 40. Your Baylor health care professional can work with you to determine you BMI and appropriate weight management plan.
Is Weight-Loss Surgery for You?
If you have tried to lose weight by other means, you may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery. However, this type of surgery is not for everyone. To qualify for weight-loss surgery, you need to have a body-mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. You also may qualify if you have a BMI of 35 or more plus a serious health problem, such as diabetes. Your overall health must be good enough to endure surgery. In addition, you may be required to have a psychological evaluation.
What is Weight Loss Surgery?
During a gastric bypass, or Roux-en-Y, a small stomach pouch is created to limit the amount of food the stomach holds. The new stomach pouch holds less than a cup of food. A section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch. The shortened intestine absorbs less food than before and, as a result, you eat less food and absorb less of the food you eat.
Weight-loss surgery is not a "quick fix." It requires a significant commitment. This surgery is not something you do because you don't want to put an effort into diet and exercise.
Deciding on weight-loss surgery can be difficult. Weight-loss surgery is major surgery, and your doctor should explain all the risks and complications to you. Make sure you know what to expect after surgery, too. In most cases, the surgery is not reversible. You must be willing to change your lifestyle for the rest of your life. And your body may change greatly in the years after the surgery.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
Eighteen to 24 months after the surgery, you can expect to lose 70 to 90 percent of your excess body weight. Also, most medical complications associated with obesity, including diabetes and hypertension, are greatly reduced. As with any major surgical procedure, weight-loss surgery has certain risks. You should ask your surgeon about the risks and possible complications.
Will My Insurance Cover This Procedure?
Many insurance providers require documentation of previous participation in at least two physician-supervised weight-loss programs with recorded weigh-ins and progress notes. You may wish to contact your insurance provider to determine the specific requirements.
Learn More
Explore the links below to learn more about your condition and innovative approaches to treatment.
Obesity
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Healthy Weight
Gallstones
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Osteoarthritis