Investigating discrepancies in demand and access for bariatric surgery across different demographics in the COVID-19 era.
Ann Med Surg (Lond)
; 82: 104368, 2022 Oct.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1995987
ABSTRACT
Obesity affects over 650 million adults worldwide and increases the risk of cardiovascular events, diabetes, and hypertension. While lifestyle recommendations are popular management options, bariatric surgery has emerged as a standard of care in refractory cases, reported to cause at least a 30% reduction in mortality. In addition, it mitigates obesity-related complications leading to a significant improvement in the quality of life for morbidly obese patients (BMI >40). Despite the numerous benefits, demand and access to bariatric surgery vary across different demographics such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. This demand and access were further reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in cancellations of elective surgeries such as weight loss procedures and promotes a sedentary lifestyle which has short-term and long-term detrimental consequences on the health of obese patients. In the context of the prevalent epidemiological trends, this reduction in bariatric services will disproportionately affect the elderly, males, low SES, and African Americans. This editorial highlights the prevalent discrepancies in demand and access to bariatric surgery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and possible recommendations to improve overall access and utilization of bariatric services in morbidly obese patients belonging to all demographics.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
Ann Med Surg (Lond)
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.amsu.2022.104368
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