The Obesity Threat and Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery Solutions

Obesity is no longer seen merely as a lifestyle issue. It is also a chronic disease that can trigger various serious complications such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep disorders, and reduced quality of life. Consultant Digestive Sub-specialist Surgeon, Dr. dr. Errawan Wiradisuria, Sp.B, KBD, M.Kes explains that various global health organisations such as the American Medical Association and the Canadian Medical Association have categorised obesity as a chronic disease that requires serious and ongoing management. However in Indonesia, obesity is still often regarded as merely a lifestyle problem. According to Errawan, one solution to obesity is bariatric–metabolic surgery, a procedure that helps with weight loss while also addressing metabolic disorders in the body, such as diabetes and hypertension. He conveyed this analysis in an education event titled “Getting to Know Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery for Obesity” held at RS Premier Bintaro. “Compared with conservative methods such as diet, exercise, and medications, this procedure offers longer-term results that are more effective in cases of severe obesity,” he said in a press release in Jakarta, Saturday (23/5/2026). Errawan explained that the main benefits of bariatric surgery include significant and long-lasting weight loss, improved patient quality of life, reduced risk of comorbidities, and improvements in diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The candidates for surgery are individuals with BMI above 35, and BMI above 30 with obesity-related high-risk comorbidities. “Moreover, patients must also commit to adopting a healthy lifestyle and long-term health monitoring,” Errawan said.