Weight Loss Surgery May Increase Suicide Risk: This Week on AOL Health

Posted on Oct 5th 2010 11:00AM by Alyssa Sparacino

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A recent study found that men and women who had bariatric surgery experienced a much higher rate of suicide during the years after the surgery than the average person.

This weight loss method, which adjusts digestion and limits food intake, is typically considered an option for severely obese individuals who haven't had success with dieting and exercise alone.

Over the course of 10 years, researchers followed more than 16,500 Pennsylvanians who had the surgery, and results showed a suicide rate of almost 14 out of 10,000 men each year and five out of every 10,000 women each year.

Comparatively, the suicide rates for every 10,000 people in the state were 2.5 for men and only 0.6 for women.

AOL Health has the complete story and thoughts from Dr. Christos Ballas, a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania.

With the help of expert trainers, participants on this season's "Biggest Loser" will surely drop some pounds sans surgery. Read more on That's Fit.

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sarah 10-05-2010 @ 2:29PM

What's with the Biggest Loser ad on the bottom of the copy?

scott 10-06-2010 @ 1:04PM

DO NOT HAVE THIS SURGERY: IT IS DANGEROUS AND LEAVES BLEEDING

Diabetes and Obesity is the direct result of food chemicals that have destroyed the gut(insulin) of the people.

The Billionaire drug makers and FDA KNOW THIS and get rich off this disease.

The diabetes drug makers took in 10 billion$$$$$$ combined in one year with no cure! While the drugs caused heart failure!

A filmmaker has been reversing diabetes WITHOUT medications in now 10 countries worldwide but the drug companies do not promote this

just google SPIRIT HAPPY DIET

Lisa Shanken 10-11-2010 @ 1:29PM

Weight reduction surgery is never a good option. If you want to lose weight then do it the healthy way because its safer and cheaper. Losing weight naturally is the permanent way to take off those bulges and fats. Never even think of surgery unless you are prepared for the consequences that would harm you not only physically but psychologically as well.