According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 20 years and older with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0- 29.9 are considered to be overweight, those with a BMI of 30.0 and above are categorized as obese. A BMI of 40 or higher is indicative of being morbidly or severely obese.
If a person is obese, they are at risk of developing health problems such as sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. The risk for these complications can be decreased by losing weight.
While applying lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising can help in achieving weight loss, they may not be enough to yield significant results for individuals struggling with obesity-related diseases.
Weight loss (bariatric surgery) has been proven to be a safe and effective way to overcome this challenge. This type of surgery is performed on the stomach or intestines to reduce food intake or absorption, and induce weight loss.
Candidates for weight loss surgery include those who:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) over 40
- Are more than 100 lbs. over their ideal body weight
- Are experiencing disabling pain in weight-bearing joints
- Have a BMI of 35 along with obesity-related disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea or degenerative joint disease
- Have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but have been unsuccessful
Choosing a weight loss surgery provider that is accredited by programs such as the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) is highly recommended. This accreditation ensures that your provider follows a high standard of care.
Flushing Hospital’s Bariatric Surgical Center is the first Bariatric Center of Excellence accredited by the MBSAQIP. The center provides care from a multi-disciplinary group of health care practitioners who are compassionate and fully invested in helping you in every step of your weight loss journey.
To learn more about Flushing Hospital’s Bariatric Surgical Center, please call 718-408-6977or 718-670-8908.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.