The CON surgeon stresses the importance of the guideline, but argues for more focus on the most effective approach to obesity › Medical Center Leeuwarden

New guidelines for obesity and overweight in adults, which appeared on July 10, provide healthcare providers with a clear framework for assessing and treating overweight and obesity. “It’s very good that there is now a complete guide that covers the full spectrum of being overweight,” Emous asserts. The guideline ensures that people who are overweight receive appropriate treatment. The guideline devotes relatively much attention to the use of a combined lifestyle intervention (GLI). These are lifestyle programs aimed at rhythmic sleep, nutrition, exercise, and psychological well-being, lasting at least one year. “For people with a BMI of 25 to 30, this can be very effective,” says Emous. A good lifestyle makes people have a healthier weight, which prevents them from becoming obese and that is important.

Emous comments: GLI has not been shown to be effective for people who are already obese. “The most effective treatment is gastric bypass surgery in conjunction with lifestyle changes,” says Imus. The guideline does suggest the option of surgical treatment of obesity, but it is somewhat overlooked. While it is scientifically proven that it is the most effective method for people with a BMI of 35. If these people must first go through a certain operation for a year or more, then They end up doing an operation with a (very little) result, so that’s a sin.”

Obesity (BMI 40+) has various causes. In addition to lifestyle, hormones, stress, metabolism, and genes can also contribute. Appropriate and above all effective treatment of this degree of overweight is important, because obesity is also the cause of many other serious health problems.

Emous is a surgeon at Centrum Obesitas Noord-Nederland, part of Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden. At the center, patients are required to follow a lifestyle program in addition to gastric bypass surgery. This process begins a few months before the operation and continues until a year and a half after the operation. In addition, patients are followed up for up to five years after surgery. Results in the area of ​​sustained weight loss are favorable.