UAE- Surgical solutions to obesity 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Sedentary lifestyle has made obesity an epidemic in both developed and developing worlds.
Obesity can be defined by a term called BMI meaning Body Mass Index, explains Dr Gautam Lahiri, Specialist Surgeon, Zulekha Hospital, Dubai.

"It is calculated by dividing weight in kilos by height in meter square. Normal value is less than 25. If it is more than 25 but up to 30 is called overweight and any value above 30 is called obese. It is further graded as Class I (30-35), Class II (35-40) and Class III (40 and above)."

Obesity has its own risk factors most important of which is metabolic syndrome. This comprises of the altered biochemical parameters which may be associated with obesity of any grade. It consists of BP more than 130/80mm Hg, increased Serum HLDL, Serum Triglyceride->150mg/ml, Blood Sugar>110mg/ml. Apart from this, obesity has cardiac, pulmonary, gastro-intestinal and orthopedic risk factors.

If left unattended, the morbidity and mortality index goes up. Best treatment outcome is expected from overweight or Grade I patients. Life style and diet modification along with anti-obesity medications can improve the outcome. However, patients who are already suffering from Metabolic Syndrome and belong to Grade II-III will require surgical intervention.

Principles of surgery have been developed to address the disability. Most widely accepted surgical procedures are Laparoscopic Gastric banding (LAGB), Sleeve resection, Roux-en Y Gastric bypass, Bilio-Pancreatic bypass with or without duodenal switch.