Introducing Weight Loss Surgery

Why are people overweight?

The widely held attitude is that obese people are responsible for their weight. Obesity is often misconstrued as a “cosmetic” problem and a personal failure or lack of motivation. However this ignores the strong genetic and developmental bases to severe obesity, compounded by physical, emotional and societal issues. We live in a pervasive “obesogenic environment”, brought on by an abundant food supply, changes in food preparation, increasing sedentary behaviour and other lifestyle factors.

Obesity in Australia

Australia’s obesity rate is among the highest in the world. In 2011 – 2012, nearly two thirds of Australian adults were either overweight or obese. When discussing obesity, doctors tend to talk about Body Mass Index or BMI. The BMI is a ratio between a person's weight and height. If your BMI is greater than 25, you are overweight; greater than 30, you are obese; greater than 40, morbidly obese. Clinically severe obesity has been is considered the state at which serious medical conditions occur as a direct result of the obesity.

Surgery For Obesity

Presently surgery, both laparoscopic (keyhole) and endoscopic (telescope), are considered by many to be the most effective therapy for patients with morbid obesity, that is, a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI greater than 35 with underlying weight related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnoea and hypertension.