Surgery may be best obesity treatment

Al Roker lost 150 pounds (gastric bypass surgery). Kelly Osbourne shed 86 pounds (gastric sleeve surgery). But new research shows that they lost a whole lot more than excess weight — they slashed their risk for cancer.

A study by Dr. Steve Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic and colleagues explored the relationship of weightloss surgery — specifically, Rouxen-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy — and cancer. Looking at data on 30,000 adults with obesity, the researchers found, over a 10-year follow-up, that participants’ risk of developing an obesity-related cancer was cut by 32% following their weight loss from those surgeries. Some cancers were even more positively affected: Bariatric surgery was tied to a 53% reduced risk of endometrial cancer. The surgeries also cut the risk of cancer-related death almost in half.

Bariatric surgery takes a lifelong commitment to adhere to a healthy diet and a routine of regular exercise. The payoff ? In addition to reducing your cancer risk, it also can defeat diabetes and reduce high blood pressure, heartburn, joint pain and respiratory problems. So if you have a BMI of 40 or more, a BMI of 35 or more along with a serious health issue like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease, or a BMI of 30 or more with Type 2 diabetes that is difficult to control, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of weight-loss surgery for you. As an alternative, you can also explore new diabetes medications (GLP-1s and SGLT2s) that help with weight loss.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. His next book is “The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow.” Do you have a topic Dr. Mike should cover in a future column? If so, email questions@GreatAgeReboot.com.