The Obesity Epidemic and its Implications in Anesthesia

Abstract

Background: Obesity is among the most prevalent risk factors affecting the physical and mental well-being of overweight patients, resulting in lower survival rates. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes associated with the impact of obesity on anesthesia management.

Patients and methods: A total of 133 patients aged 25 years and above were diagnosed in different hospitals in Iraq between 17th February 2022 and 26th March 2023. The patients were categorized based on their obesity into three classes (Class I, Class II, Class III) and underwent two types of surgeries - gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass. Additionally, patients' postoperative well-being was evaluated using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.

Results: The clinical results showed that obesity was the most important risk factor affecting the quality of life of elderly patients over the age of 60, and the infection rate reached 42.11%, with males having a higher infection rate, 62.41%, than females, 37.59%. Most patients were obese and had a body mass index. Body mass index (31-34.9) was 51.13%, and patients with BMI (>35) was 30.08%. The results of the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment showed that the hospital was successful in managing the surgical procedure and improving patients' quality of life after surgery, despite the difficulty of the operation and the adverse effects of general anaesthesia. The assessment results showed that social relationships (71.88%), mental health (68.55%), and physical aspects (63.11%) were the most improved and effective for patients after surgery.

Conclusion: According to this recent study, patients' levels of obesity significantly affect their ability to undergo various bariatric surgery procedures. Nonetheless, our study revealed a definite improvement in the post-operative quality-of-life evaluation of obese patients regarding their physical, social, and mental health.