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In today’s enlightened age, it’s hard to believe anyone still considers obesity a choice—a problem of will or a simple failure to eat right or exercise enough. We now know that morbid obesity is a serious medical condition determined by a complex combination of genetic, metabolic, psychosocial, and environmental factors that are typically beyond an individual’s control.
Obesity has grave physical consequences, including increased risk of illness, disability and death. Being greatly overweight can also take an emotional toll, resulting in social anxiety, a negative self-image, poor confidence and, in some cases, intense psychological distress. Even for a relatively healthy and well-adjusted obese person, everyday life can present unexpected challenges such as difficulty fitting in theater or airplane seats, finding well-fitting clothes of good quality, and even using some doors and restrooms. Sadly, many obese people also face painful interpersonal challenges. They must cope with stares, rude comments and other signs of disapproval that are still too common in our society.
Studies have indicated well over 60% of all Americans are overweight or obese. The problem has reached epidemic levels, with excessive weight responsible for 16% of all deaths in America in the year 2000. Obesity is likely to overtake tobacco-related problems soon as the #1 cause of death in this country. While diet and exercise can certainly have an impact, weight loss surgery is a treatment with proven, long-term effectiveness in treating morbid obesity.
To learn more, click to read about morbid obesity, and the health risks it poses. |
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