Research On Belly Fat Reduction

Obesity is rapidly developing into a nation-wide epidemic. Responsible for an estimated 10 percent of health care costs, over one-third of American adults are obese, according to "The New York Times." Obesity can significantly affect your quality of life. Research on belly fat reduction has revealed several surgical options for weight loss that are practiced in the United States.

Bariatric Surgery

The mechanism of this invasive form of weight management involves manipulating the structure and function of the gastrointestinal system to inhibit nutrient absorption. One form of surgery involves placing an adjustable band around the top of the stomach, which limits the rate at which food can enter and pass through. As a result, patients will feel full much quicker during a meal as their stomachs can only hold a fraction of the amount of food prior to the surgery.

Gastric Bypass

Another form of bariatric surgery, known as gastric bypass, involves reshaping the stomach and part of the small intestine. By the same principle as gastric banding, a bypass will create a very rapid sensation of stomach fullness during a meal. With proper diet and exercise, this surgical procedure is highly effective for treating obesity.

Indications and Results

According to the article "Bariatric Surgery: mechanisms, indications, and outcomes," gastric banding is indicated in adults with a BMI, or body-mass index, of 30 or greater. Following the procedure, there is typically a loss of 50 percent to 60 percent of the patient's excess body weight as well as improvement in health problems associated with obesity.

Risks

As with any invasive procedure, bariatric surgery carries risks of infection, thrombotic or clotting problems, and post surgery hernias. Additionally, surgery involving the gastrointestinal tract carries is own set of risks, including nutritional deficiencies, problems with digestion, and potential for a leaky digestive tract. Rates of mortality from this procedure are less than 1 percent after 30 days.

Other Benefits

According to a 2009 article from the journal "Diabetes and Metabolism," bariatric bypass surgery has been shown to cure type 2 diabetes within days of surgery. This trend exists independent of weight status, indicating that bypassing the intestines has a profound effect on sugar absorption and metabolism.