Bariatric

Bariatric

Bariatric medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. The term "bariatric" is derived from the Greek words "baros," meaning weight, and "iatrikos," meaning medical treatment. Bariatric medicine encompasses a variety of approaches to weight loss and weight management, including lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions.

Overview

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that is associated with numerous health complications, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The goal of bariatric medicine is to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight to improve overall health and reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions.

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a major component of bariatric medicine and is considered for individuals with severe obesity, particularly when other weight loss methods have been unsuccessful. Common types of bariatric surgery include:

• Gastric Bypass Surgery: This procedure involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a large portion of the stomach and duodenum. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and decreases nutrient absorption.

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this procedure, approximately 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size and shape of a banana. This limits the amount of food that can be consumed and helps reduce hunger by affecting gut hormones.

• Adjustable Gastric Banding: This involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch. The band can be adjusted to control the size of the opening to the rest of the stomach.

• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): This is a more complex surgery that involves removing a portion of the stomach and bypassing a significant portion of the small intestine. It results in significant weight loss and changes in gut hormones.

Non-Surgical Treatments

In addition to surgical options, bariatric medicine includes non-surgical treatments such as:

• Lifestyle Modifications: These include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral therapy to promote weight loss and maintenance.

• Pharmacotherapy: Medications may be prescribed to help with weight loss. These drugs work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or reducing the absorption of fat.

• Endoscopic Procedures: These are less invasive than traditional surgery and include techniques such as the placement of an intragastric balloon to reduce stomach capacity.

Complications and Considerations

Bariatric treatments, particularly surgery, can have complications and require careful consideration and management. Potential complications include nutritional deficiencies, surgical risks, and the need for lifelong follow-up care. Patients must adhere to dietary guidelines and may require vitamin and mineral supplementation.

Also see

• Obesity
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Nutrition
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Bariatric for any updates.

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