Obesity: Not sexy enough to treat ?????

Dr. Christou, Director of Bariatric Surgery McGill University Health Center and Dr. Arya Sharma speak about access to bariatric surgery in Canada in the Medical Post.

Dr. Christou,Director of Bariatric Surgery McGill University Health Center talks about the lack of access to bariatric surgery in Canada. Dr. Arya Sharma, Director of the Canadian Obesity Network is also interviewed in the article and confirms the fact that bariatric surgery is not easily accessible in Canada with waiting lists (some argue how to define the wait time) ranging from 3-13 years across the country. There are many reasons for the long wait lists, and one - public perception of severe obesity, needs wide debate and public education. How do we as a society prioritize health care resources? Do we put severe obesity on par with cancer? Our first reacting is a big NO! until we examine the data. Scientific studies clearly show that permanent weight loss through bariatric surgery improves/cures serious diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. Cancer risk is reduced and most importantly the risk of death drops as much as 89% after weight loss through bariatric surgery. To read the whole story click here.

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INTERESTING info when it comes to NB wait times.........

Unfortunately obesity is still seen as a self inflicted illness.  The public has very little sympathy or support for the obese person and most don't want their tax dollars used to treat what they see as an illness of gluttony.  How many times have you heard people say "if she'd stop shovelling food into her face,she lose that weight"?   The first step is public perception of obesity. It is not a result of gluttony.  

Most often it is a symptom of an emotional issue. The scary part is having wls does not cure the underlying issue and many who have lost will regain all of their weight if it is not confronted and dealt with.  The people who    regain are the ones who have real issues and still have no way to deal with them and resort to eating for comfort.
 
Another issue is money to be able to afford healthy food. If you are on a low fixed income you cannot buy good food and must resort to high carb cheap food. The impoverished are by far more obese that the well to do and for diferent reasons. The impoverished are also less likely to seek wls as a solution to their obesity .

Whatever  the cause,  it must be treated and sooner rather than later.

How will public opinion ever change and will we see it change in our lifetime?

You have brought up a good post to encourage thought Deb.