Is this the best we can do?
Last Updated Oct 2007
Everyone talks about obesity, but seemingly nothing is done about it. Last month a
research group reported that obesity rates have increased in 31 states over the past
year, and there was no state in which the obesity rates had decreased. Obviously,
talking your way out of the problem is not the solution. Two papers appeared in the
August 23, 2007, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine providing a unique way
to reduce mortality from obesity -- gastric bypass surgery. The decrease in
overall mortality was between 30-40 percent compared to obese individuals who had no
surgery. So here is the best modern medicine can do for obesity -- cut out healthy,
normal tissue. This is like bringing back the leeches to bleed patients.
Unfortunately, overlooked was the fact that the bypass patients have a 60 percent
increase in accidents and suicide compared to the control groups. I guess you have
to break a few eggs to make an omelet.
At a recent medical conference, one of the leading obesity doctors in the country
said, "Finally, I have some data that weight loss actually results in a longer
life." This is a pretty poor commentary on our lack of knowledge about the impact of
weight loss on longevity.