July 27, 2021 — The gap between facts and feelings about bariatric surgery never ceases to amaze. In 2016, we were presenting at a CDC conference in Atlanta, when a prominent family physician interrupted. He wanted to tell us that surgery usually leads to patients regaining all their weight. Or too often, he said, death. We responded by asking […]
April 9, 2021 — Nostrums for overcoming obesity litter the landscape of health policy. “Obesity is preventable,” says the World Health Organization. We like the can-do spirit this reflects. Yet the how-to details are missing – or at least details with evidence to support them. Instead we have glittering generalities and beautiful metaphors. WHO recommends making healthy choices the […]
December 25, 2020 — It’s just the longest weekend ever. In these words from the innocent perspective of a little girl, 2020 doesn’t seem so bad. She is simply happy because her family now has an “amazing kitty” who makes her forget COVID exists. Indeed, along with much suffering, 2020 has brought some joy to the world. Sorrow and […]
April 12, 2020 — Most of us are feeling a bit anxious these days. The ironic notion that life is a sexually transmitted condition with 100 percent mortality is a little too close for comfort. Yet somehow, we put it together with spring and find an imperative for embracing life. This is, after all, a season of renewal. Pandemic […]
November 22, 2019 — New data this week adds to our view of life and health for teens after bariatric surgery. Both are better for most of them after bariatric surgery. This week’s data deals with quality of life, pain, physical function, and kidney function. Two new studies document important benefits from the surgery. One other study offers an […]
July 23, 2019 — The trend is unmistakable now. Life expectancy in the U.S. is stalling. A new analysis in Population and Development Review brings a fresh perspective to this troubling trend. The foundations lie in rural white America and the fuels for these trends are obesity, opioids, and smoking. Poor Prospects for Rural, Non-Hispanic Whites Irma Elo and […]
June 19, 2019 — It’s a phrase you hear often. Bariatric surgery changes lives. Certainly, it brings big changes in health status. But the changes go well beyond that. Changes in body image can bring big changes in relationships. Some are very positive. others very stressful. Any of them can come with the experience. Marriage, divorce, and pregnancy are […]
August 21, 2018 — This is a plea for perspective. For all of human history, people have yearned for longer and healthier lives. That pursuit became an obsession for some notable entrepreneurs in the Victorian era. For example, the wellness obsessions of John Harvey Kellogg and C.W. Post gave us Corn Flakes and Grape-Nuts. They became big brands through […]
July 27, 2018 — Growing up, I was the definition of meek. I also carried more weight on my frame and towered above my peers. Despite this, I was a good friend to my fellow elementary schoolers. However, In addition to my timid yet friendly nature, I was also painfully aware of my obesity from a young age, which affected […]
April 30, 2018 — Two new studies in Obesity point to a big opportunity lost for people living with obesity. Professional help with obesity can offer significant improvements in quality of life. And yet, 90% of the people who could benefit don’t get that help. DIY obesity care is the dominant strategy. DIY Obesity Care Andrew Stokes and colleagues […]
