More Americans are having surgical procedures to treat obesity, according to a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The agency found that in 2004 more than 120,000 people had surgery to create weight loss. Of those, 103,000 were performed on patients between the ages of 18 and 54, the majority of whom were women. Nearly 350 were performed on teenagers.
The number of middle-aged or senior individuals opting for invasive obesity surgeries has dramatically increased over the past several years. In 1998, only 772 people aged 55 to 64 went under the knife. That number jumped to 15,086 in 2004. Obesity surgeries include gastric bypass and stomach stapling.
The increase in the number of obesity surgeries being performed is cause for concern. Not only does it reiterate the fact that obesity rates are on the rise, it demonstrates that there is not enough education surrounding nutrition, healthy eating and trans fats.
Most concerning is the growing number of obese children. According to the Institute of Medicine for the National Academies, obesity rates have doubled over the past decades for preschool aged children and children aged 12 to 19. With this comes an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and even menstrual abnormalities.
Obesity surgery make be a solution for the short term but it does not address the overall problem. Physical education classes are being cut back in schools. Nutritious meals are substituted for frozen dinners or fast food for the sake of convenience. Gastric bypass surgery will be of little use if people do not learn to make lifestyle changes and alter their eating habits. The weight will only return.
Eating disorders can also be the cause of obesity and should be ruled out before obesity surgery is performed. Compulsive overating - or an addiction to food - and binge eating cannot be cured by simply reducing the size of the stomach. These conditions require counseling and a strict diet plan.
For practical diet and weight loss solutions check out diet plans and tips at DietNation.com!