Link Between Obesity and Hernia: What You Should Know
INTRODUCTION
Hernias represent one of the most common diseases that significantly degrade the quality of life in humans. Though it can be induced by a lot of reasons, obesity emerged as the predominant risk factor for hernia recently. With escalating global obesity statistics, the connection between obesity and hernia holds great importance in prevention and treatment. The following blog addresses the relationship of these conditions with the challenges created by obesity when surgical treatment takes place and then the long-run implications of recovery.
How does a Hernia develop?
It happens when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. The most common types of hernias include:
- Inguinal hernia: Presents itself in the groin.
- Esophageal hiatus hernia: the stomach bulges into the chest via the diaphragm.
- Umbilical hernia: Presents at the belly button.
Hernias may be asymptomatic or painful and accompanied by visible bulges. Though they do not seem dangerous at first, an untreated hernia can lead to serious complications such as strangulation or obstruction of the organs.
How Modern Lifestyles Contribute to Rising Obesity
According to current trends, 1 in 5 adults worldwide will be obese by 2025; however, no country is likely to meet the reduction targets that have been set for that year.
India, too, has faced an increase in the rates of obesity, with the population living in urban areas being struck much more because of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets. Obesity is now considered one of the major health issues associated with various medical conditions, including hernias.
How Obesity Increases the Risk of Hernias?
- Rise in Intra–Abdominal Pressure – Obesity puts constant pressure on the abdominal wall, which deteriorates the muscles over time. It becomes less difficult for organs to bulge through weak spots due to weak muscles and, hence, form hernias.
- Distribution of Fat – More central distribution of excess fat makes it hard to maintain muscle tone in maintaining internal organs in place and creates favourable conditions for developing hernias.
- Chronic Conditions – Usually, obese people have a lot of coughing or constipation, which increases pressure on the abdomen and imposes a greater risk of hernia occurrence.
Why Surgeons Recommend Weight Loss Before Hernia Surgery?
Obesity complicates hernia repair surgery significantly. Surgeons would face challenges with:
- Poor visibility and accessibility: The belly fat disguises the place where the hernia can be found easily.
- More operative time: Surgery is long and tedious, which exposes one to more infections and complications.
According to a prediction, 18% of men and more than 21% of females will be living with obesity as of 2025. Furthermore, five of the countries representing nearly a third of all such cases in adult populations worldwide – the US, China, Brazil, India, and Russia, will be from these five countries.
A report by Statista in 2022 pointed out that obese people are 40% more prone to complications while undergoing surgery as compared to normal-weight individuals.
Link Between Obesity and hernia Recurrence
- Administration of Anesthesia – Anesthesia has been found difficult to administer when patients are overweight due to increased body mass, and the processes involved in breathing and dosing medication become tough.
- Longer Recovery Time – These are obese people with a risk of delayed wound healing and more infection after surgery. This results in a prolonged healing time and longer hospital stays coupled with higher healthcare costs.
- Likelihood of Recurrence – According to studies, obese patients have higher recurrence rates of hernia. This is due to the increased pressure on the abdomen and failure to maintain muscle integrity.
Treatment Options for Hernias in Obese Individuals
Treating hernias in obese individuals requires careful planning to address unique challenges.
- Preoperative weight loss: Surgeons recommend the reduction of the pressure on abdominal walls using dieting, exercise, or bariatric surgery.
- Laparoscopic procedure or robotic procedure: These surgeries are recommended in the case of obese patients due to their lesser size of wounds and quick recovery.
- Tailored Anesthesia: The plans for anaesthesia are tailored to control risks such as airway issues and proper dosing.
- Aftercare: Closely monitored and cared for the wound, compression garments help in minimizing complications.
- Lifestyle: Maintaining healthy weight post-surgery prevents recurrence
By addressing both the hernia and obesity, patients can achieve better long-term results.
Conclusion
The connection of obesity with hernia calls for more proactive management in health care. Obesity not only predisposes you to hernias but, at the same time, complicates their treatment and recovery. Living healthily by working out regularly, maintaining a good diet, and regulating weight may largely reduce the chances of acquiring this disease.
If you or your loved one suffers from hernia symptoms along with obesity, it is a must to get a medical opinion immediately. Early treatment combined with an attempt at bettering one’s health condition will have more promising results and a healthy future.
