What is the effect of Weight and Obesity on Hernias?
The prevalence of obesity in the United States is more than 40 percent. Extra weight is not only increasing her chances of heart disease and diabetes. It also increases hernias. A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or tissue through the feebleness of a muscle. What follows is how the overweight condition causes hernias, the warning signs to observe, and how to avoid them.
Importance of Obesity to Hernia
Increased Abdominal Compression
Additional fat rubs against the abdominal wall.
The muscles are weakened with age.
Weaker Muscle and Tissue
Poor muscle tone is usually associated with obesity.
The connective tissue is poor hence the wall is not as sturdy.
Delayed Post-Operative Recovery
There is reduced blood flow in fat tissue, decreases healing.
Increases the likelihood of hernia at operative areas.
Types of Hernias associated with obesity
Hiatal Hernia: Fat on the belly causes a section of the stomach to be forced up through the diaphragm.
Umbilical Hernia: The pressure affects the tissue around the navel.
Incisional Hernia: Appears on the sites of previous surgeries, and is more likely to appear in case of high BMI.
Typical Symptoms of Hernias of Obesity
An obvious bump in the belly or groin, aggravated by standing and straining.
In the area of the bulge, pain or discomfort, particularly following activity.
Gestational problems such as nausea, vomiting, or heartburn (hiatal hernias).
In extreme situations blockages in the bowel movements which may prove to be fatal.
Risks Comparison: Obesity and normal weight
Factor
Normal Weight
Obese Weight
Abdominal Pressure
Mild/moderate
Constant and high
Muscle Strength
Stronger tone
Weaker tone
Risk of hiatal hernia
Low to medium
Very high
Surgery Recovery
Faster, few problems
Slower, more problems
How to Lower Your Risk
Lose Weight
And even 50-10 percent loss of weight reduces belly pressure.
Develops your central strength.
Stay Active
Select activities with low impact such as walking or swimming.
Perform mildly penetrating exercises, including planks or bridges.
Lift Safely
Get down on your knees, not on your back.
Ask for help with heavy items.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Changes: Exercise, diet and smoking can help you heal by reducing the symptoms after surgery.
Medications: In hiatal hernias, drugs will reduce acid reflux.
Surgery: Which type of surgery is the best option of repairing the hernia open or laparoscopic hingees on the size of the hernia and your general health.
About the Author
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Is it true that being slim helps to prevent hernias?
Yes. Fewer belly fat: the fewer the belly fat the less pressure it places on weak spots within your muscles.
Am I more dangerous because I am obese to have surgery?
It can be. The slower recovery and increase of inflammation increases the risk of complications.
What are exercises that can be done by a person at risk?
Light core work, walking and swimming make you fit without putting a lot of strain on the abdomen.
Do obese children have hernia, too?
Yes. Additional weight of children increases the chances of umbilical and other hernias.
What diet is effective to reduce herna risk?
High fiber diet to avoid constipation and fewer meals to take the strain off your stomach.
Does, wearing a support belt assist herniating as a result of obesity?
The discomfort can be soothed with the help of a lightweight hernia belt that supports tissue. It is a provisional band-aid chat to your doctor prior to usage.
When will I start feeling relieved of hernia?
The weight loss of 5-10 percent of the body weight allows many of them to feel less pressure and pain. Full relief varies by person.
Does fast gain in weight result in a hernia?
Yes. Abdominal fat that suddenly accumulates causes stress on the vulnerable regions, thus hernias are more likely to occur.
What do the symptoms indicate that I need to consider surgery?
Surgery becomes a good decision in case of persistent pain, bulge, blocked digestion or failure of lifestyle modification.
Can one exercise with an untreated hernia?
Light exercise is okay but do not do exercises that put a strain on your core such as heavy lifting or hard abdominal exercises-unless given medical consent.
