News & Research Articles from Adelaide Bariatric Centre

Obesity and Covid-19 severity

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 10:30:00 GMT

There is increasing evidence from China that obesity, especially in men, significantly increases the risk of developing severe pneumonia in COVID-19 patients. This publication from Shenzen China demonstrated this increased risk with Covid-19 if the patient was obese.

The impact of Covid-19 on weight loss surgery

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 03:35:00 GMT

During the current pandemic all elective operating including weight loss surgery has been postponed. This has been done to preserve our PPE resources (masks, gloves, gowns etc) in anticipation of an influx of Covid-19 patients into both private and public hospitals. The masks that surgeons use are the same masks that nurses and doctors need to treat Covid-19 patients. Adelaide Bariatric Centre made an early decision to cease operating to preserve these resources.

It is imoortant however to understand that we are available for the continued care of our patients during this difficult time. Our clinic remains open and phone calls will continue to be answered.

Dietitians, clinical psychologists, bariatric physicians, clinic nurses and surgeons continue to conduct clinics to provide the ongoing support for our patients. Indeed this support has perhaps never been more important than during this period of isolation and reduced activity.

Where possible we will look to arrange consults over the phone. If patients do have to come to our clinics we will limit the number of patients in our waiting room. It goes without saying that our clinic is cleaned to the highest possible standards between each patient.

By working together we will get through this. Our clinic will always be here to support our patients.

We look forward to returning to normal activity including our surgery as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Please refer to the IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders) recommendations for bariatric and metabolic surgery during the Covid-19 pandemic. Adelaide Bariatric Centre will be adhering to these recommendations.

Can you be overweight and still be healthy?

Mon, 14 May 2018 04:31:50 GMT

Over the years there has been a significant amount of research conducted by doctors worldwide focusing on issues affecting people who are obese or overweight, and for good reason. Obesity, and its associated conditions can have an extremely negative impact on a person's quality of life and eventually cut their life short if nothing is done in response.

With rising levels of obesity across the globe, the international health community has been tasked with asking and attempting to answer the toughest questions about the relationship between weight, diet, physical activity and emotional health.

One of the toughest questions to answer is: can a person diagnosed as overweight or obese still be considered healthy?

To answer that our first step will be to define what exactly being overweight or obese is. Secondly we will need to determine what we can consider a healthy lifestyle and the long term effects that lifestyle has on the human body.

Defining Obesity

The most common way the health community defines levels of obesity is with a mathematical system called the body mass index (BMI). To calculate a person's BMI we take their body mass in kilograms (their weight) and divide it by the square of their height in metres. A person with a body mass index that is over 30 is considered to be obese. Someone with a BMI over 40 is considered to be morbidly obese.

Although the BMI is a fairly accurate assessment tool for the most part it does have its limitations. For instance an athlete, who carries muscle mass which weighs more than fat, could potentially have a BMI over 30. In this case the BMI doesn’t give an accurate reading of their physical health.

There are factors present that the system is not designed to consider, however a physician could easily assess this particular persons reading. While an athlete rating above a 30 BMI may be defined as overweight based on that tool’s measurement, after factoring in their percentage of muscle mass compared to body fat and the lifestyle choices like diet and physical activity that are necessary to maintain that ratio, a physician would likely overrule the BMI reading and confirm that the athlete is very healthy.

There have also been cases reported where a person has a BMI over 30, with a higher percentage of body fat than muscle mass, but does not suffer from any of the negative health effects that typically are associated with obesity. These include:

Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Heart problems
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Orthopaedic joint and back problems
Certain types of cancers

Although still physically overweight or obese, the person is metabolically healthy.

It is clear that obesity does not affect everyone in the same exact way and that the BMI system is not perfect. Genes, which control where fat is stored, can program fat to store in the hips and thighs which is less dangerous than fat that is stored around the abdomen.

The numerous factors that dictate how obesity affects the human body still require a large amount of research. Although cases of “healthy” obesity do exist, they are very rare and in many of these cases general health eventually deteriorates as the person begins to age. There are also the realities of social isolation, low self esteem and depression that may be harder to measure, but are very real conditions associated with obesity.

The general consensus amongst health professionals is to avoid obesity if possible and use effective medical intervention to manage it, like bariatric surgery, when other non invasive options have been exhausted.

5 Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About Obesity

Mon, 14 May 2018 04:23:55 GMT

Speaking to your doctor about something as sensitive about your weight can be a daunting task, even though we all know that it is for our own benefit. Sharing personal details about our lifestyle, diet and body isn’t always the easiest thing to do but it is a necessary process that you have to go through so that the medical professional that you are visiting leaves the session with as much information as possible so they can provide you with the best care available to help you take control of your weight loss.

Being prepared before you head off to your first visit can ease some of the anxiety you might feel when sharing sensitive information about your health. Here are five things you can do to be prepared for your first official chat about your weight with a medical professional that can make things a little easier.

1. Bring a list of your concerns

Trying to remember everything you want to ask your doctor at your appointment can be difficult, especially if you are nervous, anxious or embarrassed. It can be very helpful to write out a list of questions you have for your doctor before your appointment when you are more comfortable. This will ensure that you can get answers to some of the most important questions you have and make the best use of the time that you are sharing with your doctor.

2. Bring your information with you

When you are meeting with your doctor, they may ask you questions about you medical history and what medications you take. If possible, prepare a list with all the prescription drugs,herbal medications and supplements that you take regularly so that you can ensure that your doctor receives the most accurate information. If you have access to your medical records or have seen other doctors recently and have notes or feedback from that visit, providing this information can also be helpful.

3. Come with a family member or a close friend for support

Sometimes it is easier to cope with anxiety when you bring a familiar face along with you to share in the experience. The presence of family and friends can be a very effective way to help your appointment run smoothly, especially if they have some knowledge about your history that can assist in your doctor’s assessment.

4. Request an interpreter if you need one

Trying to deliver sensitive information can be extremely difficult and even impossible if you do not speak the same language as your doctor. If you require an interpreter it is important that you request one to be present so that you and your doctor can communicate effectively.

5. Bring a pen and paper to take notes

You will be provided with a large amount of information and potentially instruction during your visit with your doctor so feel free to take notes during the conversation that you can refer back to at a later date. Having a way to record some of the main points of your conversation can lessen the anxiety often associated with the effort of trying to remember everything in real time.

Speaking to your doctor is an important first step to addressing obesity or any weight-related health issues you may have. Being prepared to discuss a potentially sensitive subject will help your doctor get the best information to provide useful medical advice, and will help you to get the most out of your appointment.

Your doctor will be able to provide you with a referral to speak to one of the specialists at Adelaide Bariatric Centre who are very experienced and sensitive to patient’s needs when discussing obesity related matters.

Revisional Surgery

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 01:09:00 GMT

What is revisional bariatric surgery?

Revisional bariatric surgery is another surgical treatment following a previous bariatric surgery which did not lead to the desired results.

In most cases, revisional procedures are performed laparoscopically, which means that it is relatively non-invasive and low-risk. Only in very rare cases will laparoscopic revisional surgery need to be converted to an open surgery if we think that it is the safest way to complete the procedure.

When is revisional surgery appropriate?

A small percentage of bariatric surgery patients will experience less than expected results, such as less weight loss than desired or some weight re-gain.

There are several possible reasons for these outcomes. The most common is diet choice – which our dieticians and clinical psychologists can help with – but other common reasons may be stretching of the stomach (or a portion of the stomach) or lap band movement. A revisional procedure may also be used to convert one type to bariatric procedure to another.

You should also know that not everyone is suitable for revisional surgery. You may be a candidate for revisional surgery if:

You have a BMI 40 or above.
You lost less than 50% of the weight you planned to lose after your initial bariatric procedure.
You regained some or all the weight you lost after your initial bariatric procedure.
You have regained enough weight to cause further health problems such as diabetes to return or occur.

As every case is different a complete evaluation of the medical history, lifestyle, treatment preference, and reasons why you gained the weight back should be evaluated.

What are the advantages of revisional surgery?

The greatest advantage of revisional surgery is to achieve the positive weight loss and health outcomes of the original bariatric procedure as safely and non-invasively as possible

With revisional surgery of previous weight loss surgery, a variety of problems or complications can also be addressed such as intractable ulcers, intractable reflux, deteriorations of the stomach wall, infections, staple – line failures, movements of the gastric band, erosions of the gastric band or strictures.

What are the risks of revisional surgery

Any bariatric procedure including gastric band, gastric sleeve, or gastric bypass can be revised. The revisional procedure is performed on the same part of the abdomen as the first and there is a possibility of encountering scar tissue. For this reason, there is a greater risk of complications occurring after the second surgery.

However, this does not mean that a revisional surgery does not have a good outcome. In most cases, revisional surgery successfully treats the complications of the initial bariatric procedure and the desired weight loss is achieved. Generally, patients will lose less weight after the revision surgery compared to primary bariatric surgery.

How to prepare for revisional surgery

Preparation for revisional surgery will depend on the exact surgical procedure that is going to be performed. It is important to carefully consider and evaluate the reasons why the initial surgery did not lead to the desired results.

You should always keep in mind that the process of losing weight with bariatric surgery is a challenging process that requires a certain period of time. If a patient hasn’t made the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes after their first surgery, then it is unlikely that a revisional surgery will be successful either.

A multidisciplinary approach is necessary when preparing for revisional surgery. At Adelaide Bariatric Centre the surgeons work closely with dietitians, psychologists, bariatric practitioners, bariatric nurses and exercise physiologists when helping you achieve your goal of losing weight.

After the procedure

Revisional surgery can be more technically challenging than an initial procedure. It is also associated with a higher risk of complications. The recovery period is normally longer than the first surgery and you may need to remain in hospital for two or three days after the procedure.

However, the recovery period at home is usually just the same just as with an initial bariatric procedure. In general, you will need a couple of weeks before resuming to your normal daily activities.

Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 01:02:00 GMT

Obesity is a common problem across the developed world, including Australia where nearly 30% of adults may be obese. There are many reasons why a person becomes overweight or obese. Leading a sedentary life, eating too much and especially eating unhealthy foods, stress or various medical conditions may all contribute to a high BMI.

Bariatric surgery is a non-invasive medical option which can help people to lose weight when diet and physical exercise are not helpful. In general, bariatric surgery is recommended for patients who have a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 35 or 40.

It’s perfectly reasonable for any woman considering a bariatric surgical procedure to question whether the surgery will affect their fertility and future possibilities to conceive and have children. This article answers some key questions about bariatric surgery, fertility and pregnancy.

Will you be able to conceive after bariatric surgery?

Yes.

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery is possible in in many cases is safer and more likely to be successful compared to the pregnancy of an obese woman. However, you should keep in mind that you generally should allow your body a certain amount of time to recover from your procedure before you try to conceive. You also may want to achieve a certain amount of weight loss or other health-related goal that you discuss with your doctor before trying to become pregnant.

Some doctors will suggest a waiting period of at least 12 to 18 months, while others suggest a waiting period of at least 2 years before getting pregnant. Getting pregnant too soon after bariatric surgery could lead to developmental problems for your baby, as this kind of surgery will help you lose weight quickly your growing baby might not get all the nutrients needed.

Benefits to conceiving and pregnancy of bariatric surgery

Obesity is associated with reduced fertility and often conceiving can be quite a challenge if you are obese or overweight, as a result of oligovulation or anovulation. Even if a woman gets pregnant while being overweight and especially obese, there is increased risk for various conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension or preeclampsia.

Weight loss is the best way to mitigate the risks of obesity, and bariatric surgery is an effective, relatively safe and non-invasive option. Studies also suggest that after bariatric surgery the menstrual cycles start becoming more regular, ovulation is improved, leading to a greater possibility of conceiving.

What are the risks to pregnancy after surgery?

The biggest risk when it comes to a pregnancy after bariatric surgery is not getting enough nutrients needed for the mother and for the baby. However, this is a problem easily solved with a proper nutrition plan, which may include vitamin and mineral supplements.

Other risks and possible complications in such cases include anemia, weight gain, low birth weight for the child, and possibly an increased risk of C-section.

How is pregnancy after bariatric surgery different?

In general, prenatal care during the nine months of pregnancy is the same just as for all other women. However, there are a few little differences in a pregnancy after a bariatric procedure.

Consulting with the surgeon who performed your procedure before trying to conceive is recommended, as they will know your medical situation best.

You may also need to take some additional or different supplement vitamins and minerals, to make sure that your growing baby is getting all the nutrients needed.

You can also expect to gain weight during your pregnancy. This is completely normal and healthy. Remember that it is recommended to gain 10 to 14 kg during pregnancy. As long as you eat well and remain active during the nine months of pregnancy losing this extra weight once the baby is born should not be a problem.

Labour and delivery

Is there a difference when it comes to labour and delivery during a pregnancy that occurs after bariatric surgery? In general, management of labour and delivery after bariatric surgery should be the same as with any other patient. You should also know that while rates of C-section delivery are higher among women who have had bariatric surgery in the past, the surgery is not an indication for C-section and a safe, normal delivery is still entirely possible.

What should you do to have a healthy pregnancy after surgery?

The most important things you can do for your own health and the health of your growing baby during pregnancy is to eat healthily and to be physically active. If you think you may want to try to conceive after surgery, speak to our doctors about the best exercise and nutrition programmes for your needs.

Of course, it’s also important to weigh any of these answers about bariatric surgery against the health, fertility and pregnancy consequences of untreated obesity as well. If you would like to speak to one of the medical experts at Adelaide Bariatric Centre for more information, please get in touch with us today.

Gastric Sleeve Revision

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 01:43:00 GMT

What is Gastric Sleeve Revision?

If you have recently had gastric sleeve surgery and it didn’t meet your weight loss requirements, or even you gained weight after it, a gastric sleeve revision procedure could be a suitable solution.

Sometimes, people suffer from acid reflux after their sleeve surgery. This may also be an indication that a gastric sleeve revision may be suitable.

There are four options for gastric sleeve revision. They are listed here in the order of their efficacy in losing weight in the long term in most cases. Your doctor will recommend the most suitable procedure based on your medical history and personal circumstances.

1. Duodenal Switch (DS):

The Duodenal Switch is regarded as a challenging procedure and is generally only performed by experienced specialists. Here, in Adelaide Bariatric Centre, we offer this surgery as it is the most effective in the long term for most patients.

DS involves removing the excess part of the stomach if it has stretched out after the previous gastric procedure, removing the gallbladder and rearranging the small intestine as shown in the picture. This stretching is the most common reason that some initial gastric procedures don’t achieve the desired results

Caloric and mineral malabsorption can happen after this procedure, so controlling your diet is so important[1].

2. Gastric bypass:

Unlike the duodenal switch, mineral malabsorption can only happen in this case, so it is safer. All the same, you should discuss your diet supplements with your doctor to reduce any risks of these deficiencies.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY) involves removing the top portion of the stomach and ligating the esophagus with the lower portion. Also, the jejunum is connected to the stomach and the intestine as shown here.

3. Re-sleeve:

Re-sleeve is the most suitable surgical option in many cases when the stomach has stretched after a sleeve gastroplasty. However, like in sleeve gastroplasty, the stomach can re-stretch again without changes in eating and lifestyle habits accompanying the procedure.

On a positive note, re-sleeve is also the least invasive procedure among the surgical options of gastric sleeve revision.

4. Lap-band:

Many surgeons do not recommend this surgery as it has a high failure rate and can have uncertain results[2] for some types of patients. It involves banding the upper portion of the stomach with a ring that is connected to a tube to a small port under the skin as shown here. This port can control the size of the stomach entry part to control the amount of food required to fill the stomach.

Outcomes and advantages of Gastric Sleeve Revision

Gastric sleeve revision offers significant weight loss outcomes and prevents re-gaining weight after a sleeve gastroplasty.

Gastric sleeve revision also has an extremely low mortality rate.

However, patients should be aware that there can be more complications if there are any scars left behind the initial procedure.

Who is Gastric Sleeve Revision most suitable for?

Patients who underwent a previous sleeve gastroplasty and who lose weight in an inadequate manner or even re-gain weight following their initial procedure.

Normally, if you underwent a sleeve gastroplasty, you should lose 70% of your excess weight in the 12 months that follow the surgery. If this doesn’t happen, call your surgeon immediately.

Preparing for your procedure

In order to have fewer complications after the surgery and to get a higher weight loss results after the surgery, safe and proper preparation for the procedure is recommended.

Prior to the surgery, you should eat a lot of protein to compensate your body for its needs after the surgery as you will go on a rapid weight loss. Also, taking multivitamins is recommended. Your doctors will be able to give you specific dietary recommendations to suit your individual needs.

The night before the procedure, you may be required to fast starting from the midnight to have a clear gastrointestinal tract.

You may also have some psychological, dietician and upper gastrointestinal evaluations to measure your preparedness and suitability for the surgery. Several common tests like blood work, electrocardiogram and x-ray are also likely to be required of you.

After your procedure

Like after your initial procedure, your diet will mostly consist of clear fluids like fruit juices. You’ll soon gradually transition from fluids to solid foods.

High protein and healthy diets are generally recommended after the surgery. Remember, our ultimate goal is losing weight.

In the first week following the surgery, you need to have someone to help you with your daily activities as sudden exertion or straining should be avoided after the surgery.

Ultimately, you may need four to six weeks for a full recovery after your surgery.

Our multidisciplinary approach

Here at Adelaide Bariatric Centre, we offer you a multidisciplinary approach. The surgeons work closely with bariatric practitioners, dietitians, exercise physiologists, psychologists and bariatric nurses to help you lose weight.

[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11695-017-2838-8

[2] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00464-010-1250-4

How to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 01:27:10 GMT

Losing weight can be a real struggle for some people, and if after intense diets and exercises you still don’t manage to lose weight or if you have reached a dangerous point of obesity your doctor might recommend or refer you for bariatric surgery.

The word surgery itself is scary for a lot of people. Depictions of surgery in television and movies, don’t exactly do a lot to dispel many myths, while in reality bariatric surgery is very non-invasive and relatively extremely safe.

A lack of information is mostly what makes something seems scarier than it is. The scientist Marie Curie once famously said “nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood…”. The goal of this article is to let you know everything you should expect before bariatric surgery and alleviate some of those irrational fears.

Who is recommended for bariatric surgery?

Every case is different, as your doctor will explain. As a general guideline, bariatric surgery is recommended for patients who:

Have a BMI (Body Mass Index) higher than 40
Have a BMI higher than 35 and also suffers from other conditions that are aggravated by the obesity. Examples include sleep apnoea, diabetes type 2 and hypertension. These conditions are called “obesity-related comorbidities”.

This means that even if your BMI is not higher than 40 you might still be recommended for surgery if you have other conditions that may be resolved when you are no longer obese.

What happens before the surgery?

A number of things need to happen before a bariatric procedure.

First of all, your doctor will ask for tests to evaluate your condition and assess the probability of any complications. These tests are taken so the doctors can make decisions on the best approach to guarantee your safety and health. Some of the tests you can expect are:

Blood tests – this is a basic before every treatment or surgery. The blood test will look for things like cholesterol levels, blood cell count, levels of vitamins as well as indicators of liver or kidney diseases.
Imaging of gallbladder – the doctor will check to see if there are any abnormalities on your gallbladder. Gallbladder disease can occur after major weight losses, especially in people who have abnormalities. If there are any, your doctor may recommend another treatment option.
Liver function tests – if your liver demonstrates some type of alterations on its function, you may expect some imaging tests to observe if there are any issues with it. Most of the time the doctors will observe steatosis (accumulation of fat on the liver), but this will often go away after weight loss.

You can also expect some other straightforward tests such as assessments of your cardiovascular function.

You should also expect an interview with a psychiatric professional. This professional will assess your mental status to help your doctor decide whether now is the best time for surgery. The psychiatric doctor will also be able to provide some post-operation support as well.

What do I need to do to prepare for bariatric surgery?

If your doctor has recommended you for bariatric surgery he will give you some specific recommendations of things to do before the surgery actually happens. These recommendations are important to make the surgery as safe as possible, avoiding any type of complications.

It is sometimes advised that the patient loses some weight before the surgery. You might be asked to lose around 5% to 10% of your weight, which can increase the safety of the surgery.

If you smoke, it is advisable to stop 30 days before the surgery to ensure you’re in optimal health for the procedure. Quitting smoking is not the easiest task, so doctors will advise that at the very least patients try to decrease the number of cigarettes that they smoke prior to the surgery.

From 1 to 2 weeks before the surgery you will be asked to maintain a liquid diet. This means that you will be able to only eat things such as protein shakes, soups (as long as they don’t have any solids in them) and juices (fruit or vegetable). It is very important to follow this diet, because your surgery may need to be postponed if you don’t.

You may also need to fast immediately prior to the surgery. Your doctor will let you know exactly when and for how long.

A week before the surgery, your doctor might also to ask you to stop taking some medicines such as birth control pills, steroids, hormones or anti-coagulation medications. However, it’s important that you don’t stop these medications without the indication of your doctor.

Your doctor may have some slightly different advice or recommendations for you, depending on your specific needs and medical history. All the exact details and more will be explained to you by your doctors and nutritionists; and if they don’t explain something you shouldn’t hesitate in asking. Being well informed is important for both your safety and for you to feel more confident with the surgery and not worry too much.

For more information, contact the team at Adelaide Bariatric Centre.

Reducing mortality risk and comorbidities in obesity

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 01:54:00 GMT

The increase of obesity within the population has brought with it a rise in reduced life expectancy.

Numerous studies over the past three decades have sought to understand the correlation between obesity and mortality risk. While there is no general consensus, the results from studies in the United States have indicated that between 5% and 13% of deaths occur due to obesity.[1]

Although the exact figures vary, there is widespread consensus that obesity creates an increased risk of early mortality. A study by the National Health and Medical Research Council in 2003 found that mortality risk doubles with a BMI of 35.[2] However, the greatest mortality risk associated with obesity arises from the relationship between obesity and comorbidities.

Correlation between obesity and comorbidities

Comorbidities are additional diseases or disorders that occur at the same time as the condition in interest.

Common comorbidities associated with obesity compound the risk of early mortality. Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, some cancers, breathing problems and many more conditions.[3] This is often exacerbated by factors such as lifestyle, diet and the shape of a person’s body and where fat is predominantly stored.[4]

Permanent weight loss is generally the best treatment that will help obese and morbidly obese people lose weight will help to decrease the symptoms of pre-existing comorbidities whilst also reducing the risk of further conditions.

Bariatric surgery

Generally, calorie restriction and an exercise regime targeted towards weight loss can help to reduce comorbidities and lessen the risk of early mortality.

However, these can often be difficult to maintain and often are only a temporary solution for those who suffer with obesity. Surgery has been found to be the most effective treatment for motivated morbidly obese people.[5]

Bariatric surgery is an excellent option for people with a BMI of 35 and over who are looking for a safe solution that will help them improve their health and quality of life.

Many people have an initially negative perception of weight loss surgery due to misconceptions about complications associated with the procedures. While there are always risks associated with any surgery, many bariatric procedures are generally safe, with minimal complications when performed by an experienced surgeon.

There are a couple of different bariatric surgery options that are performed in Australia.

Gastric banding is the attachment of a silicone band to the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits the amount of food the patient can eat and increases feelings of fullness. Gastric sleeves remove the lateral part of the stomach, leaving a narrow tube instead of a stomach sack. Gastric bypass surgery creates a small stomach pouch that is attached to the small intestine.

All these surgeries will help patients lose a significant amount of their excess weight within 2 years of the procedure. This helps lessen or eliminate some of the diseases and disorders that are associated with obesity.

Studies by the Centre for Obesity Research and Education at Monash University found that bariatric surgery had an effect on some common comorbidities associated with obesity. The bariatric surgery helped reduce, or in some cases remove, some of the symptoms of:[6]

Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Reflux oesophagitis
Asthma
Depression
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Sleep apnoea

A study in 2000[7] that followed the progress of patients who underwent bariatric surgery found that over 95% of the significant comorbidities were resolved. Specifically:

Gastro-oesophageal reflux dis-ease – 98% eliminated
Type 2 diabetes – 98% eliminated
Sleep apnoea- 98% clinically resolved
Stress incontinence – 97% eliminated
Hypercholesterol – 97% reduced
Hypertension – 92% clinical remission
Symptomatic arthritis – 90% reduced

Those comorbidities that did persist after surgery were found to be significantly reduced in severity. All these benefits help to reduce the risk of mortality in obese people.

Adelaide Bariatric Centre

These benefits can be life changing for those who are suffering from obesity and any of the common comorbidities. However the treatment needs to be supplemented with a holistic approach that will support patients before and after surgery, to help them adjust.

Adelaide Bariatric Centre believes the best way to achieve significant and sustained weight loss coupled with an increased quality of life, is to combine bariatric surgery with a complete support program. Their multidisciplinary focus includes patient access to dietitians, exercise physiologists, and bariatric nurses who will help patients adjust to life post-surgery and get the best results possible.

[1] Zheng, H., Tumin, D. and Qian, Z. (2013). Obesity and Mortality Risk: New Findings From Body Mass Index Trajectories. American Journal of Epidemiology, 178(11), pp.1591-1599.

[2] National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). (2003). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults. [online] Available at: The Department of Health [Accessed 26 Jun. 2017].

[3] Schelbert, K. (2009). Comorbidities of Obesity. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 36(2), pp.271-285.

[4] Wilkinson, L. (2013). A Second Look at the Link Between Obesity and Mortality | THCB. [online] Thehealthcareblog.com. Available at: The Health Care Blog [Accessed 26 Jun. 2017].

[5] National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). (2003). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults. [online] Available at: The Department of Health [Accessed 26 Jun. 2017].

[6] Brien, P., Brown, W. and Dixon, J. (2006). Management of obesity: the role of surgery. Australian Family Physician, 35(8), pp.584-586. Availability: Adelaide Uni [cited 26 Jun 17]

[7] Wittgrove, A. and Clark, G. (2000). Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Roux en-Y - 500 Patients: Technique and Results, with 3-60 month follow-up. Obesity Surgery, 10(3), pp.233-239.

AMA Responds to Obesity Crisis

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 22:09:00 GMT

The AMA - Australian Medical Association - have updated their position statement on obesity to reflect the severity of the national obesity crisis.

Sweeping in scope and strongly worded, the updated statement argues that the crisis is so severe that it necessitates a whole-of-society approach to prevent, reduce and treat obesity.

While obesity has been recognised as a National Health Priority Area since 2008, the AMA point to a growing corpus of evidence that obesity is overtaking smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in Australia.

As well as the societal risks, the AMA is unambiguous on the personal risks of obesity:

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic and preventable conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, musculoskeletal disorders and impaired psychosocial functioning. About 70 percent of people who are obese have at least one established morbidity, resulting in medical costs that are about 30 percent greater than those of their healthy weight peers. Many more have serious health conditions that they are unaware of, for example, it has been estimated that for every five cases of diabetes there are four undiagnosed cases.

Throughout the position paper, the AMA makes a case that the approach should be driven by government at all levels, arguing that, “Governments are unique in their capacity to influence and regulate people’s behavior of a large scale.”

According to the position paper, governments should use the full range of their powers to address the crisis; including taxation and subsidies to respectively raise the prices of “energy dense and nutrient poor food products” and make healthy options, like fresh fruit, more affordable.

Also recommended by the AMA for this whole-of-society approach are things like creating rules around the production, sale and marketing of unhealthy foods, planning towns and communities to encourage exercise, and initiating school and community based programs that provide education and incentives on healthy eating and activity practices.

Treating Obesity in Individuals

While most of the guidelines are focused on long-term strategies for the prevention and early intervention of obesity – particularly among children and Australia’s most vulnerable communities – they also contain some limited, though very telling information relating to the management and treatment of obesity for those who are already suffering from it.

The AMA’s position paper sets out six key findings relating to the individual treatment and management of obesity:

Providing patients with the skills and motivation to manage their condition should be a major goal.
The current clinical guidelines recommend that for sustainable weight loss, overweight and obese patients are encouraged by their health professionals to achieve a 600 calorie deficit per day, with 5 hours of moderate exercise per week.
Ongoing research into the most effective measures for achieving this is still needed; but
Multidisciplinary care arrangements – like the approach pioneered by Adelaide Bariatric Centre – are effective.
Treatments with weight loss drugs should have just a very limited role, if used at all, and should only be provided as part of a multidisciplinary approach.
The AMA considers bariatric surgery, which should be available publicly and privately, an “effective measure for long-term reductions in weight and improved health outcomes”.

The AMA’s support for bariatric surgery – which includes procedures like gastric bypass, laparoscopic bands and sleeves – adds further credence to a rapidly growing body of research that indicates bariatric procedures often result in the best long-term weight loss and health outcomes for people with obesity.

Learn more about your bariatric treatment options or contact us for an appointment.

Obesity Found to Reduce Life Expectancy

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 04:27:00 GMT

With ever improving standards of living, considerable advancements in medicine nutrition throughout most developed countries, it only makes sense for Australians to expect to see an increase in our life expectancy. And in fact, the Australian life expectancy has been steadily increasing for decades.

However, a recent study published in The Lancet provides evidence to suggest that these positive effects are at risk of being undermined, and these improvements potentially reversed, by Australia’s rising obesity epidemic.

The research, conducted by the Global BMI Mortality Collaboration, involved more than 10 million participants across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America.

The researchers were able to prove for the first time that obesity is a major contributor to the increase of all-cause mortality.

The study shows a strong positive correlation between unhealthy BMI and increased mortality rates in every global region within the study’s scope. The risk of premature death increases by around one third for every increase in the BMI unit above the overweight range as suggested by the World Health Organization.

One potential factor is the significant number of serious medical, physical and psychosocial problems that are associated with morbid obesity. The most serious of these include Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, coronary diseases, and even certain types of cancer - the Cancer Council estimates that 4,000 diagnoses of cancer per year in Australia are related to obesity and overweight alone.

Professor Anna Peeters of the World Health Organisation’s Collaborating Center for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University noted that this study can be applied to the population-wide issue in Australia. With over 60% of adults in the country overweight or obese, this highlights the severity of current obesity rates affecting future life expectancy. Obesity may very well be the cause of the first decrease in life expectancy in decades.

This is not merely a statistical issue. Obesity will not shave a couple of years off the life of everyone in the country equally - instead it will significantly cut short the lives of people who suffer from obesity. A 20 year old adult man with a BMI of 40 (obese as defined by the World Health Organization), if untreated, will have his life expectancy reduced by 17 years to just65.

Fortunately, solutions and treatments are available.

Among to the most effective obesity treatment options, bariatric surgery produces significant and desirable results in the long run. The gastric bypass procedure, considered the “gold standard” of weight control operation, in one such option. Gastric bypass surgery involves combining restriction and malabsorption that leads to durable and significant weight loss.

Gastric banding is a less invasive form of bariatric surgery. It utilizes an adjustable gastric band to restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold and decreasing food intake. Gastric sleeve surgery involves the permanent removal of a part of the stomach, leaving the patient with a crescent shaped sleeve that joins the esophagus and the small intestine.

These bariatric procedures can resolve weight-related co-morbidities such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, and offer improved life expectancy for obesity patients. For more information, contact Adelaide Bariatric Centre today.

Most Bariatric Patients Pleased with Surgery Outcomes

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 22:30:29 GMT

A recent Australian study into the effectiveness and viability of bariatric surgery for public health patients has found that, in addition to extremely positive health outcomes, patients are overwhelmingly satisfied with their decision to undertake the surgery.

The study, which was published in the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Surgery, followed 1,453 patients who underwent weight loss surgery – primarily laparoscopic gastric bands – at The Alfred public hospital in Melbourne over the six years following their procedures.

To be eligible for the study, patients had to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35 as well as at least one associated health problem like high blood pressure. The average BMI of patients participating in the study was over 50, classifying them as very severely overweight and drastically increasing the likelihood of associated health problems including reduced life expectancy.

While the study aimed to discover if bariatric surgery (like the gastric band procedure) could have similar outcomes for public patients in a high-volume setting as they do for private patients, the study’s findings about patient satisfaction stand out the most.

82% of the patients reported that they would “definitely or probably” have the surgery again, 8% were undecided, and only 10% reported that they would “definitely or probably” not have the surgery again, given the choice.

In addition to the patient satisfaction, most participants in the study lost substantial amounts of weight and experienced improvements as a direct result of the procedure.

Gastric band surgery, the most popular bariatric procedure with the study’s patients, involves placing an adjustable belt around the upper portion of a patient’s stomach, effectively restricting the amount of food it can hold and slowing how quickly it empties.

By slowing and limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time, for the patient, this means a lower appetite and a feeling of fullness (satiation) sooner. Ultimately, this leads to significant long-term weight loss for most patients.

Bariatric surgery is most effective when undertaken as part of a multidisciplinary weight loss program that involves bariatric physicians, dieticians, clinical psychologists, bariatric nurses and exercise physiologists.

By implementing these kinds of holistic programs, Adelaide Bariatric Centre has a strong, proven record of success managing obesity. To learn more about our treatments for obesity, click here.

Overeating Doesn’t Make You Overweight, Unhealthy Foods Do

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 01:54:00 GMT

The highly respected obesity expert, Dr. David Ludwig believes that a calorie-restricting approach to weight loss might not necessarily be the best approach to dieting.

An endocrinologist (hormone expert) at Boston Children’s Hospital and professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Ludwig recently made headlines with the release of his latest book, Always Hungry?

Debunking the Low-Calorie Myth

In Always Hungry? Dr. Ludwig argues that “it’s the type of calorie you consume more than simply the number that makes you fat”. This debunking of calorie-restriction has been hugely controversial in the US, as most dietary experts - including the esteemed U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention –have been advocating the benefits of a low-calorie diet for the best part of four decades.

As Dr. Ludwig explained to Runner’s World, “the calorie in/calorie out model works for a toaster oven, but humans aren't machines. The fundamental problem in obesity isn't too many calories stored in fat, it's too few in the blood stream, where it will be available to fuel the body’s needs. When we cut back calories on a conventional low-fat diet, we only make this situation worse, creating a battle between mind and metabolism that we're destined to lose.”

Say No to Highly Processed Foods

The focus has to be on developing long-term healthy eating patterns. And according to Dr. Ludwig the low-cal, low-fat approach isn’t the way to go. Instead, the answer lies in reducing the amount of processed foods that we eat that are high in sugar and saturated fats.

With more than 63 per cent of Australians now classified as overweight, there’s little doubt that the foods we are eating are contributing to the obesity epidemic. The fundamental problem with the modern diet according to Ludwig is that it ignores biology, and that the highly processed foods that many calorie-counters eat in place of fat are actually making us heavier.

Three Foods to Avoid

Always Hungry? makes the argument that a major problem with the modern diet is an excess of high glycemic foods like sugar, refined grains and other processed carbohydrates.

So what are the three foods that he recommends that we all avoid?

First cab off the rank is white potatoes. While sweet potatoes are okay due to the fact that they raise blood sugar much less and are rich in other nutrients.

The second types of food to steer clear off are those highly processed grains that are rich in carbohydrates but offer little nutritional value, such as breads, white rice, and cereals.

And last, but certainly not least, we’ve have to cut back on added sugars, including soft drinks, fruit juices and low-fat dairy products.

New Dietary Guidelines Focus on Healthy Eating Patterns

Wed, 03 Aug 2016 01:25:00 GMT

Everyone knows that healthy eating patterns help us to avoid chronic health problems like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes, so it should come as no surprise that the latest dietary guidelines for Americans focus heavily on the importance of long-term healthy eating patterns.

Released earlier this year by the Agriculture and Health and Human Services Departments the guidelines are designed to help “provide a clear path for the general public, as well as policy makers and health professionals and others who reach the public, to help Americans make healthy choices, informed by a thoughtful, critical, and transparent review of the scientific evidence on nutrition.”

The latest iteration of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans has three core focuses to help inform Americans eating choices: the need for healthy eating patterns, the value of incremental change and the need for support.

Developing Healthy Eating Patterns

The new guidelines emphasise the importance of fostering a lifelong eating pattern that “contains adequate essential nutrients, a caloric intake that supports a healthy body weight and foods that reduce the risk of chronic disease.”

Essentially this means that we need to try and get into the habit of eating lots of fruit and veg, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, protein foods with minimal amounts of saturated fats and cut down on added sugars. But, the trick is being consistent.

Make Incremental Changes

By focusing on making small improvements over a long time, as opposed to revolutionising your diet overnight, eating healthy becomes way more doable.

Developing a healthy eating pattern is a long term venture and with so many choices to make every single day about what to fuel our minds and bodies, each meal presents a chance for change. Start by making small changes like replacing refined-flour bread with whole-grain bread, sneaking more veggies into your diet or moving from full cream milk to skim.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

You Are Not Alone

For those of us looking to change our food consumption patterns we need to realise that we’re not alone. As Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, Karen DeSalvo states, “everyone has a role to play in encouraging easy, accessible, and affordable ways to support healthy choices at home, school, work, and in the community.”

Reducing our intake of artificial sugars, sodium and saturate fats is hard, but there are nutrition programs and healthy eating support mechanisms out there to help us with your journey.

No Long-Term Weight Loss for Biggest Loser Contestants

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 01:08:41 GMT

For more than a decade The Biggest Loser (US) has captivated American audiences. In February of this year the hugely popular reality show wrapped up its seventeenth season, and while it doesn’t quite receive the astronomical ratings it did when it first aired back in 2004, Season 17: Temptation Nation was still watched by more than 4.5 million viewers.

Yet despite its continuing popularity the show has recently come under scrutiny following a new study published in the journal Obesity and written up in a widely shared article by the New York Times.

Entitled Persistent Metabolic Adaptation 6 Years After ‘The Biggest Loser’ Competition, the study was conceived by Kevin Hall, an expert on metabolism at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, while watching the finale of Season 8 in late 2009.

Designed to track the season 8 contestants for six years once the cameras had stopped rolling, the study uncovered some startling home truths that the show’s producers at NBC will not be happy about.

Short-Term Weight Loss

Following Danny Cahill’s Season 8 victory, which saw him lose 108 kilograms over the course of the show, Kevin Hall sought to investigate exactly what happened to contestants over the long-term after they had lost such large amounts of weight over such a short time period.

Kevin Hall and his team studied the “resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition” of 14 contestants from Season 8 and found that Danny Cahill was the only one who weighs less today than when the competition begun. Four of them are now heavier than before they went on the show.

Resting Metabolism

These results revealed that the major reason for the contestants’ weight gain is resting metabolism, which slowed down dramatically due to the speed of their initial weight loss.

When the contestants first appeared on the show their metabolisms were normal for their weight, but after undertaking the shows excessive fitness and diet regimes the contestants’ metabolisms radically slowed. Now, they must eat hundreds of calories less each day than people of a comparable size to keep the weight off.

While Researchers were not particularly surprised by the fact that the contestants had a slower metabolism when the show ended they were taken aback by the fact that their metabolisms did not recover. Danny Cahill for example regained more than 45 kilograms over the six years, with his metabolism slowing to such an extent that he now has to eat 800 calories a day less than a typical man his size just to maintain his current weight of 133 kilograms.

In Conclusion

This in-depth research proves that the fight to lose weight and keep it off is a long-term one. However, some research suggests that the method of weight loss may matter. Gastric Bypass surgery for example significantly slows patients’ metabolisms but patients typically see it return to normal after 12 months.

Kevin Hall’s study found that only one of the 14 Biggest Loser contestants that his team examined weighed less than when the competition kicked-off, with four of them now heavier and nine returning to their previous weights. Whereas according to the Journal of Obesity the outcomes for patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery are far superior, with patients losing 60-70 per cent of excess weight after a year with approximately 50 per cent of this access weight loss maintained after 15 years.

The Biggest Loser has also received criticism in the past here in Australia with University of Adelaide professor, Gary Wittert labelling the show “a crass attempt to make entertainment of a serious problem, by enticing desperate people to participate, putting them through a gruelling and unrealistic regime of exercise and diet.”

The experts don’t completely agree on all details, but one finding is clear. The contestants are likely to have had better long-term weight loss outcomes if they had considered all their options – like bariatric surgery – and steered clear of the reality TV circus.

Bariatric Surgery Reduces Pain & Improves Long Term Mobility

Thu, 12 May 2016 00:40:00 GMT

New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that patients experience long-term reductions in pain and an increase in mobility following bariatric surgeries like the gastric bypass operation.

The study followed more than 2,200 men and women at 10 participating hospitals across the United States for three years after their operations and found that “50 to 75 percent of adults with severe obesity who had bariatric surgery experienced clinically significant improvements in pain, physical functioning and walking time,” according to the study’s author, Wendy King – an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh.

Patients selected for the study had a median age of 47 and a median BMI of more than 45, which is considered severely obese (to have a BMI greater than 45, a six foot tall male would need to weigh more than 150kg).

Most of the patients had the gastric bypass operation before the study commenced. The gastric bypass is the most common laparoscopic bariatric operation performed in the U.S., and is considered the “gold standard” weight control operation.

The procedure works by essentially bypassing the stomach and causing food to enter a small gastric pouch; resulting in appetite suppression, earlier satiation (fullness) and an aversion to sugary and fatty foods. Ultimately, the procedure results in a loss of 50-70% of excess weight for most patients. Patients in the study saw an average weight loss of 28% over the three year period.

But the study’s most promising results related to improvements in mobility and pain reduction.

At the start of the study, only 56% of patients – just over half – were able to walk a quarter mile (about 400 metres) in seven minutes. At the end of the three years, that number increased significantly to 74% of the patients.

Close to three quarters of patients with severe hip or knee pain or disability when the study began saw improvements in symptoms of osteoarthritis by the study’s third year as well. Their prior joint pain and restrictions in mobility were attributed to joint damage that was itself caused by carrying excessive weight.

Following the weight loss resulting from the bariatric operations, strain on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees was lessened, reducing pain and inflammation as well.

Some of the patients were able and opted for joint replacement surgery during the study period, following the advice of many doctors to lose weight before undertaking joint surgery.

At Adelaide Bariatric Centre we believe that the best weight loss results come from holistic, multidisciplinary approaches in which both surgery and exercise form important parts. Exercise is a vital element of any weight loss or management strategy and is absolutely essential to maintaining weight loss long term.

King’s three-year study highlights that bariatric surgery, in addition to resulting in weight loss itself, can improve mobility and pain reduction – making exercise easier, helping rehabilitation and leading to better recovery overall.

Learn more about King’s study or contact Adelaide Bariatric Centre today to learn about how bariatric surgery can help with weight loss and improve your quality of life.

7 Inspiring Celebrity Weight Loss Surgery Stories

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 02:00:00 GMT

In Australia we have a great fascination with celebrities. We follow our favourites on social media and read about them in trashy magazines, and in a strange way we even come to think of them as ‘friends’. However, Australia, as a country, also struggles with obesity and weight loss.

Here are 7 celebrity bariatric surgery stories designed to inspire you on your weight loss journey.

1) Chris Christie

US presidential hopeful, and current New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, underwent gastric banding surgery in 2013. In April 2015 he told Today, “it’s the best thing that I've ever done for my health. And I look back on it now and wish I'd done it years ago. "

2) Anne Rice

Highly respected gothic fiction writer, and author of the best-selling Vampire Chronicles, Anne Rice, had gastric bypass surgery in 2003 after weighing in at 115 kg. Following weight loss surgery she lost a total of 46 kg.

3) Randy Jackson

In 2003, former American Idol judge Randy Jackson had gastric bypass surgery. In 2008 he told WebMD, "Liquid fasts. Bee stings. Urine of pregnant women. You name it. I have tried it. The problem is that those diets don't work for people who have the disease of obesity."

4) Roseanne Barr

Iconic comedian, Roseanne Barr, underwent gastric bypass surgery in the late 1990’s but regained weight initially. However, in 2014 she was seen showing off a decidedly slimmer figure. She told the entertainment news site, Closer Weekly: "I went to the doctor yesterday and I thought I lost 12 lbs (5.5 kg). I’d lost 35 lbs (16 kg) and I thought I only lost 12. So that was kind of cool."

5) Sharon Osbourne

Talk show host, reality television star, and all-round professional celebrity, Sharon Osbourne, had gastric band surgery in 1999, losing more than 45 kg.

6) Diego Maradona

Argentine football legend, Diego Maradona, underwent gastric bypass surgery in Colombia in 2005. Before surgery Maradona is rumoured to have weighed as much as 130 kg.

7) Joe Hockey

Former Australian treasurer and recently retired Liberal party stalwart, Joe Hockey, had gastric sleeve surgery in 2012 after battling with obesity for his whole life. Following weight loss surgery Hockey has successfully shed more than 30 kg.

5 Clever Ways to Sneak More Veggies Into Your Diet

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 02:49:34 GMT

We all know that we should be eating vegetables every day. But how many of us actually eat the recommended daily intake of 5 serves a day? According to Go for 2 & 5, “most Australians eat only half the amount of fruit and veggies recommended for good health.”

With this is mind we thought we’d create a list of clever and easy ways to help you sneak more veggies into your diet.

Eat Salad Before Your Main Meal

This is a super easy one, and a tactic that guarantees you a healthy dose of veggies daily. Plus having a hearty, veggie packed salad before your main meal is a good way to help keep your appetite in check and stop you from overeating some of the foods that aren’t so good for you.

Puree Veggies Into Soups

Incorporating soups into your diet is a great way to up your veggie intake. Simply use a blender or a juicer to easily puree your favourite combos into tasty soups. Making soups is time and cost effective, and with so many amazing veggie soups just waiting to be made, we reckon this is a simple and practical way to sneak more veggies into your diet.

Add Veggies to Your Desserts

Okay, this is a strange one... But while your gut instinct may very well be telling you that veggies should never feature in desserts, we disagree. Give it a go, and start replacing all of those empty calories common to sweet desserts with desserts full of vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. English blogger Kate Hackworthy is an expert when it comes to finding creative ways to make healthy desserts. Some of her more digestible recipes include chocolate cauliflower cake, chocolate mashed potato cake, and carrot cake protein balls.

Hide Them in Pasta Sauce

This idea may be old, but as any mother knows, it works. All you’ve got to do to sneak a few extra veggies into your sauce (without ruining it) is shred carrots, zucchini, and maybe some green and red capsicum into the mix, and voila. Another trick to keep up your sleeve is to try adding celery and spinach in the last half-hour of cooking to let the sauce absorb all of the good nutrients from these additional veggies. Even if you don't eat the celery or the spinach, the sauce will still be packed full of added nutrients.

Make Your Own Veggie Based Dips

Not only are dips fun and tasty, but a whole bunch of the best ones are vegetable based; think pumpkin, beetroot, eggplant, and avocado. But even if you feel more comfortable sticking to an old favourite like hummus, you can still add a couple of sneaky veggies into the mix such as finely chopped carrots and/or spinach before processing it in your food processor.

Getting your recommended intake of 5 servings of veg a day is hard work, no one’s saying that it isn’t. You have to be prepared to get a little creative. Finding clever ways to add vegetables to dishes which are normally veggie free is an effective way of upping your daily intake, and improving your overall diet.

300,000 Victorians Living with Type 2 Diabetes

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 07:03:00 GMT

Up to 74 Victorians are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes every day, according Diabetes Australia Victoria. The organisation’s recently released statistics indicate 27,000 diagnoses of the disease in the state last year, bringing the total number of Victorian residents living with Type 2 diabetes to 300,000. Worryingly, figures show that an additional 500,000 Victorians are categorised as being at “high risk” of diagnosis.

These figures are reflective of the landscape of Australian health as a whole: it’s predicted that, in merely two years’ time, diabetes will overtake heart disease as Australia’s number one cause of disease burden.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is what’s known as a “lifestyle disease”, since it can be brought on by poor dietary choices and a lack of physical exercise. This is good news for the 500,000 Victorians classified as prediabetic, as it means that, with better lifestyle choices, they can avoid a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Craig Bennet, Chief Executive of Diabetes Australia Victoria, says that the benefits of positive lifestyle changes for Australians at risk of diabetes cannot be understated. "We have our work cut out and we're very keen for people to get the message that they need to eat well, exercise regularly and reduce their chances of getting diagnosed with what is a very difficult and complex disease.”, he said.

By exercising regularly and eating well, people can reduce their risk of a diabetes diagnosis by around 60%, Mr Bennet said. But it’s not just the one in four Victorians over the age of 25 classified as pre-diabetic who should be keeping diet and exercise in mind.

"We want all Victorians, whether they have diabetes or not, to eat well and be physically active," he said.

According to Better Health Victoria, there are several ways that people can reduce their risk of developing diabetes, including:

Knowing their risk of developing diabetes
Maintaining a healthy weight
Undertaking regular exercise
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Limiting unhealthy food, such as those high in salt, fat and kilojoules
Limit your alcohol intake to no more than two standard drinks per day for men, and one for women
Not smoking
Maintaining healthy blood pressure
Reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors
Undergo regular medical checkups with your doctor

Soft Drinks Linked to More Than a 180,000 Deaths

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 06:52:00 GMT

Research out of Tufts University in Boston estimates that a whopping 133,000 people worldwide died from diabetes alone due to overconsumption of soft drink and other artificially sweetened beverages.

This research, published in the journal Circulation, analysed the global risks of death due to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and common cancers linked to the consumption of soft drink. However, while the study’s author Dariush Mozaffarian found that soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages are responsible for life threatening cardiovascular diseases and cancers, its the link between soft drink consumption, diabetes, and death that was truly flabbergasting.

Suicide by Soda

Around 45,000 people died globally from cardiovascular diseases arising from sugary drink consumption and 6,450 people died from cancers, Tufts University researchers estimated.

"Many countries in the world have a significant number of deaths occurring from a single dietary factor, sugar-sweetened beverages. It should be a global priority to substantially reduce or eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages from the diet," said Dariush Mozaffarian, M.D., Dr.P.H., senior author of the study and dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy at Tufts.

Estimates of consumption were made from 62 previously conducted dietary surveys conducted between 1980 and 2010 across 51 nations, along with data on national availability of sugar in 187 countries. This allowed Dariush Mozaffarian and his team to capture geographical, gender and age variation in consumption levels of sugar-sweetened beverages in different populations.

The Findings

People who consume 1-2 cans of soft drink per day have a 26% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than people who rarely consume soft drink.
Mexico has the highest death rate due to sugary beverages of any country, with a rate of 450 deaths per million adults. This was nearly three times higher than second place South Africa.
The report also found 76% of deaths related to soft drink and other sugary drink consumption occurred in low to middle income countries.
Among the 20 countries with the highest estimated sugar-sweetened beverage-related deaths, 8 were in Latin America/Caribbean.
In Japan, where unsweetened teas are among the most popular beverages, deaths from sugary drinks are negligible, the least of any developed nation.

It’s important to note that the researchers could not exactly prove a direct cause and effect between soft drink consumption and these 184,000 deaths. Rather, they based their conclusions on national beverage consumption trends, death rates and sugar availability.