The landscape of bariatric intervention in Castellón has a distinct gender profile. According to the most recent data from the Hospital General de Castellón, 80% of the patients undergoing cirugía de obesidad en Castellón are women. Out of 128 bariatric procedures performed over the last two years, 104 were conducted on women, while only 20 were performed on men.
The data reveals a recurring demographic pattern: the typical patient is a woman between the ages of 40 and 45. This trend does more than track surgical volume. it highlights a deepening public health crisis in the province, where obesity has evolved into a structural challenge affecting nearly 70,000 adults.
The scale of the issue is reflected in the latest public health survey from the Comunitat Valenciana. Among the adult population aged 18 and older, 34.5% are classified as overweight and 13.3% as obese. In practical terms, one in every three adults in the region is living with excess weight, a reality that is becoming increasingly prevalent in primary care consultations.
The transition to robotic precision
While the patient volume has remained stable—with 64 surgeries performed in 2024 and another 64 in 2025—the methodology in the operating room has shifted toward high-technology integration. The Hospital General de Castellón has leaned heavily into the use of the Da Vinci surgical system to manage these complex cases.
Of the 128 total interventions, 80 were performed using robotic surgery, while 48 were conducted via traditional non-robotic laparoscopy. This technical evolution marks a significant pivot in how the hospital approaches bariatric care, prioritizing precision and reduced trauma.
The robotic approach provides advantages for both the patient and the professional. It is a less invasive technique, which favors a faster recovery, and allows the specialist to function with greater accuracy and precision in movements, as well as high-quality vision of the surgical field.
The hospital’s commitment to this technology is not new; in January 2023, it became the first public center in the Valencian Community to perform robot-assisted bariatric surgery. This tool is particularly critical given the clinical profiles of the patients, who often present with complications that build traditional surgery more risky.
| Category | Number of Procedures | Percentage/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Total Surgeries | 128 | 100% |
| Female Patients | 104 | 80% |
| Male Patients | 20 | 20% |
| Robotic (Da Vinci) | 80 | 62.5% |
| Laparoscopic | 48 | 37.5% |
Therapeutic necessity over aesthetics
Medical professionals emphasize that these procedures are strictly therapeutic, not aesthetic. Bariatric surgery is indicated for adults between 18 and 60 years old with a Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeding 35. The primary goal is to treat or halt severe, life-threatening complications associated with chronic obesity.
José Manuel Laguna, Chief of the Surgery Service at the Hospital General de Castellón, notes that the objective is to cure comorbidities that can seriously compromise a patient’s life. These include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, and various cardiovascular diseases.
Despite the complexity of the operation, the hospital reports a high safety profile. Most patients experience a post-operative stay of two to three days, and the majority do not require admission to an intensive care unit.
Obesity as a systemic chronic disease
Beyond the visible weight, obesity is recognized as a multifactorial, chronic disease characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that deteriorates overall health. The impact is felt across physical health, mental well-being, and overall life expectancy.
The relationship between increased waist circumference and the development of non-communicable chronic diseases is well-documented. Dysfunction in adipose tissue can alter inflammatory and cardiovascular processes, multiplying the risk of severe pathologies. In the province of Castellón, the burden is evident: 60,306 people are living with diabetes (including types 1 and 2), 385 of whom are under the age of 18.
The health risks extend further, as obesity is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including colorectal, breast, liver, endometrial, and kidney cancers. Patients often face metabolic and respiratory disorders, such as dislipidemia, fatty liver, and osteoarthritic pathology. From an immunogenetic perspective, the disease can also facilitate severe infections and contribute to infertility.
A multidisciplinary path to prevention
Addressing the obesity epidemic requires a shift from surgical intervention to systemic prevention. Bárbara del Mazo, a member of the College of Physicians of Castellón, argues that prevention must be multidisciplinary, combining clinical follow-up with fundamental lifestyle changes.
The pillars of this preventive approach include:
- Nutritional Education: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber, with a strict limitation on saturated fats, refined sugars, and sugary drinks. This education should begin in classrooms and within the family unit.
- Consistent Physical Activity: Recommendations include daily aerobic and strength exercises—at least 30 minutes for adults and one hour for children and adolescents.
- Clinical Monitoring: Regular check-ups to track weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and glucose levels, alongside evaluations of mental and functional health.
- Habit Modification: Active reduction of tobacco and alcohol consumption.
For more information on global obesity guidelines and prevention, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides comprehensive resources on managing metabolic health.
The current data from the Hospital General de Castellón presents a dual reality. On one hand, the healthcare system has successfully upgraded its capacity to treat severe obesity through robotic innovation. On the other, the prevalence of excess weight in the province suggests a structural failure in public health that surgery alone cannot solve.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options regarding obesity and bariatric surgery.
The healthcare community in Castellón continues to monitor the long-term outcomes of robotic bariatric patients to refine surgical protocols. The next phase of public health efforts will focus on integrating nutritional education more deeply into the provincial school system to curb the rise of childhood obesity.
Do you believe public health policies are doing enough to prevent obesity before it reaches the surgical stage? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
