Weight Loss with Bariatric Surgery May Reduce Risk of Cancer

July 06, 2022

Singh_Labcoat_Logo_Indoors_Glass_Door_11.11.2019_191102_Mercy_0838.jpg

A Cleveland Clinic study found that among adults with obesity, weight loss achieved with bariatric surgery was associated with a 32% lower risk of developing cancer and a 48% lower risk of cancer-related death compared with adults who did not have the surgery.

According to Kuldeep Singh, M.D., a top weight loss surgeon in Maryland, and Director of The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy, bariatric surgery is the only known method of long-term weight loss.

"Once a person loses weight, the chances of certain cancers decreases. The accumulation of total body fat is not good for overall health. Too much body fat produces hormones that can make people prone to certain cancers like breast, colon, prostate, endometrial and ovarian cancers," Dr. Singh said.

Dr. Singh added that not only does the risk of cancer decrease, the risk of dying from those cancers also decreases.

View Dr. Singh's interview about weight loss and cancer risk.

About Mercy

Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.

Media Contact 
Dan Collins, Senior Director of Media Relations
Office: 410-332-9714
Cell: 410-375-7342
Email: dcollins@mdmercy.com

BuntingAtSunset---DSC_0765.jpg