Obesity is one of the most important health problems in developed and developing countries. Morbid obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40 kg/m2. Obesity does not only predispose to gastroesophageal reflux, but is also an important independent risk factor for the development of hiatal hernia (HH). There are articles advocating about half of obese patients have a hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia not only exacerbates reflux symptoms, but may also lead to incomplete removal of the gastric fundus during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). When hiatal hernias are seen preoperatively or intraoperatively for bariatric surgery, surgical correction should ideally be made with mesh reinforcement to prevent further clinical progression.
Part of the book: Hernia Surgery
Obesity is associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases. Breast cancer is one of the malignancies, which has been related to obesity. Patients with a BMI more than 35 kg/m2 had an 86% greater risk of having breast cancer than those with a normal BMI. Every 5 kg/m2 rise in BMI has also been demonstrated to increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Obese people have poorer outcomes in terms of lymph node positivity, disease-free survival, and overall survival, according to research. Leptin, whose circulating levels rise in proportion to BMI and body fat reserves, is usually regarded as the primary driver of the intricate web that connects obesity and breast cancer. The number of studies examining the association between leptin activity and breast cancer genesis and behavior is growing. The effectiveness of bariatric surgery on lessening the risk of developing breast cancer has been proven.
Part of the book: Breast Cancer Updates