Bariatric Surgery Most Effective Option for Obesity, Improves Fertility: Study Finds - Video

A new national survey by Orlando Health finds that 56% of Americans do not know that bariatric surgery is an effective way to improve fertility.

The survey highlighted Americans' lack of knowledge of this correlation. When asked if they agree with the statement that being overweight negatively affects fertility, half (50%) responded that they either don't know or neither agree nor disagree with that statement.

Although other weight loss options, like GLP-1 medications, may seem like the easier solution, the survey also revealed 64% of people either don’t know or neither agree/disagree that stopping GLP-1 injections can lead to weight gain. Alexander Ramirez, MD, FASMBS, Director of Orlando Health Weight Loss & Bariatric Institute - Bayfront says bariatric surgery is usually the more effective and longer-lasting option, as it permanently alters the digestive system, increasing the production of hormones and helps the body to ovulate.

By waiting, the body can recover and adjust to the changes from surgery, including digesting the right amount of nutrients. Ramirez says this transitional period helps decrease complications during pregnancy, including hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

“My advice for anyone with obesity, and especially for those who want to have a child, is to ask

about bariatric surgery because it's the most powerful tool we have to lose weight healthily and keep obesity in remission,” said Ramirez. “And that is going to increase their chances of having a successful and healthy pregnancy.

Reference: https://oh.multimedia-newsroom.com/index.php/2025/01/14/new-survey-finds-over-half-of-americans-are-unaware-that-bariatric-surgery-can-improve-fertility/