Obesity is currently one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases worldwide. Defined as an epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), it affects not only physical appearance but also metabolic health and life expectancy. From cardiovascular disease to type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, and hormonal disorders—many systemic health issues have obesity at their core.

Therefore, for individuals above a certain weight threshold, relying solely on traditional methods such as diet and exercise may not be sufficient. Bariatric surgery has emerged as a scientifically proven and long-term solution for such individuals.

📐 What Is BMI (Body Mass Index)?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is an internationally recognized tool used to assess a person's weight relative to their height. It plays a key role in determining the degree of obesity and the eligibility for surgical treatment.

🔢 BMI Formula:

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m²)

Example:

A person who is 1.65 m tall and weighs 82 kg:
👉 BMI = 82 / (1.65 × 1.65) = 30.1

According to WHO Classification:

• 🔹 18.5 – 24.9: Normal
• 🔹 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
• 🔹 30.0 – 34.9: Obesity Class I
• 🔹 35.0 – 39.9: Obesity Class II
• 🔹 ≥ 40.0: Morbid Obesity (Class III)

Individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, especially those with accompanying health conditions, are considered candidates for bariatric surgery.

⚖️ Why Diet and Exercise Alone May Not Be Enough

Many people spend years trying various diets, workout routines, and lifestyle changes in hopes of losing weight. However, scientific studies have shown that individuals with a BMI above 30 have a long-term success rate of only 5–10% when relying solely on non-surgical methods. This low success rate is often due to increased metabolic resistance and hormonal imbalance.

Bariatric surgery becomes especially relevant in the following cases:

• 🔹 Repeated attempts at dieting and exercising with little or no success
• 🔹 Regaining lost weight quickly (yo-yo effect)
• 🔹 Presence of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea
• 🔹 Emotional exhaustion and mental fatigue from the weight-loss process

Therefore, surgery should not be seen as a "last resort" but rather as a scientifically guided, structured treatment protocol.

🧬 Eligibility Criteria for Bariatric Surgery

Being a candidate for bariatric surgery is not based on BMI alone. A multidisciplinary assessment is crucial. The general eligibility criteria include:

• 🔹 BMI ≥ 40: Surgery is recommended, even without other health problems
• 🔹 BMI ≥ 35 with associated conditions: (Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, fatty liver, PCOS, etc.)
• 🔹 BMI ≥ 30 with metabolic complications such as diabetes
• 🔹 Psychological readiness and motivation assessed by specialists

Before surgery, the patient should be evaluated by various departments, including endocrinology, psychiatry, cardiology, and pulmonology. A final decision is then made based on the overall medical picture.

🧪 Real-Life BMI Examples

1.60 m height / 77 kg ➜ BMI: 30.1
1.70 m height / 87 kg ➜ BMI: 30.1
1.75 m height / 93 kg ➜ BMI: 30.3

Individuals within these ranges who have tried multiple weight-loss methods without long-term success may be considered for surgical treatment.

🩺 Dr. Mustafa Erol's Scientific and Individualized Approach

With over 30 years of experience, Op. Dr. Mustafa Erol has performed thousands of successful bariatric surgeries both in Turkey and internationally. His approach goes beyond numbers—he evaluates each patient based on their overall health status, quality of life, psychological readiness, and ability to adapt to long-term changes.

📍 Each patient receives:

• 🔹 Comprehensive preoperative evaluation
• 🔹 Personalized surgical planning
• 🔹 Multidisciplinary support (dietitian, psychologist, physiotherapist)
• 🔹 Long-term postoperative monitoring and care

This holistic approach transforms surgery from a weight-loss method into a complete lifestyle change intervention.

🎯 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

• 🔹 Long-term and sustainable weight loss
• 🔹 High success rates in managing type 2 diabetes (70–85% remission)
• 🔹 Improvements in sleep apnea, hypertension, and cholesterol balance
• 🔹 Reduction in joint pain and inflammation
• 🔹 Restoration of hormonal balance
• 🔹 Increased fertility (especially in patients with PCOS)
• 🔹 Enhanced mental well-being and self-esteem

🧭 Final Word: Struggling to Lose Weight Is Not a Matter of Weak Will

Inability to lose weight is not a failure of willpower—it is often the result of physiological, hormonal, and genetic factors. Seeking surgical support is not something to be ashamed of; rather, it is a conscious and informed medical decision.

If your BMI is 30 or higher, and you've already tried various non-surgical methods without permanent results, you may be medically eligible for bariatric surgery.