MDNews - Atlanta

AS AMERICA'S COLLECTIVE WAISTLINE CONTINUES TO EXPAND, BARIATRIC SURGERY REMAINS AN OFTEN UNTAPPED RESOURCE. Losing It By Colin Stayton (MIS)UNDERSTANDING OBESITY RESEARCHERS AT THE University of Alabama at Birmingham have compiled a list of nine myths about obesity that are widely held despite scientifi c evidence to the contrary. Myths include: 1. People who lose weight rapidly are more likely to regain more weight than those who lose weight at a slower pace. 2. Obese patients should set realistic weight-loss goals, or else frustration will make them lose less weight. 3. Determining a patient's "readiness" to diet is an important precursor to successful weight loss. 4. Physical education classes are designed in such a way as to play a vital part in reducing childhood obesity. 5. Breastfeeding helps protect the breastfed child from becoming obese. 6. Weighing oneself every day inhibits weight loss. 7. Genes are not a factor in the obesity epidemic. 8. College freshmen tend to gain 15 pounds. 9. "Food deserts" — areas with limited access to stores selling fresh, affordable, healthy foods — promote higher obesity rates. Sources: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The Associated Press, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Coverage Gap Approximately 37% of employer-sponsored health plans cover bariatric surgery. Adding Up the Benefi ts One of the most compelling arguments for bariatric surgery is its effect on Type 2 diabetes. An estimated 78% of patients with the disease enjoy full remission following surgery, and 85% experience at least some improvement. Bilio-pancreatic diversion with duodenal switch seems to produce the most improvement in Type 2 diabetes, with a remission rate of 95%. Clinical studies have also found that the rate of death from heart disease drops by 50% among bariatric surgery patients, and one-third of extremely obese patients are able to reduce or eliminate their blood pressure medication. ■ $15,000–$25,000 TYPICAL COST OF BARIATRIC SURGERY 78 million obese adults in the United States 18 million qualify for bariatric surgery 179,000 U.S. patients had bariatric surgery in 2013 STAYIN' ALIVE BARIATRIC SURGERY PATIENTS are as much as 89% less likely to die in the fi ve-year period following their procedure than are similar individuals who do not undergo surgery. AMERICA THE SUPERSIZED ++++++++++++++++++ +++ + +++ + ++++++++++++++++++ DATA VAULT M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS Atlanta | 1 5

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