Obesity is Costing Serious Money Worldwide

Many doctors have noticed that if, if they warn their patient that a particular bad health habit might cause an early death, patients tend to shrug it off. If, however, a doctor warns his patients that their poor health might cost them an exorbitant amount of money, people tend to take notice. That's why we at  University Bariatrics were especially intrigued by recent reports at the BBC News web site about a McKinsey Global Institute study that explored the actual cash cost of obesity around the world.

It's pretty clear that whether you're considering a bariatric surgery in Thousand Oaks or Liverpool, you're dealing with a major worldwide problem. Indeed, the study found that about 2.1 billion people, roughly 30 percent of the worldwide population are impacted by obesity. However, in cash terms, the worldwide cost is simply stunning, costing the equivalent of 2.8% of economic activity around the world on a yearly basis.

The BBC put it even more dramatically.

The worldwide cost of obesity is about the same as smoking or armed conflict and greater than both alcoholism and climate change, research has suggested.

If misery loves company, then clearly those of us who are dealing with obesity in the United States have plenty to love. Of course, the better answer is to do whatever you can to avoid the life-shortening and debilitating effects of obesity by taking advantage of such procedures as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks with University Bariatrics. We're doing what we can to fight the worldwide war against obesity right here at home.

An International Problem

At University Bariatrics, we're obviously very concerned about the obesity epidemic in the United States. However, while the stereotype of the overweight American has never been more widespread, the fact of the  matter is that the problem of severe obesity is spreading around the world. While some of the blame might fall on the worldwide popularity of U.S.-made junk food and sugary sodas from such purveyors as McDonald's and Coca-Cola, it's clear that something more is going on.

While it's probably not too surprising that, along with the growing issue of obesity, the popularity of such procedures as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypasses in such nations as Saudi Arabia and the UK is increasing, it might be time to consider the possibility that this is not so much an American problem as a side-effect of the combined phenenom of relative prosperity and the wide availability of inexpensive empty calories in more well-off nations.

The good news, we suppose, is that weight loss procedures in London and Riyadh are proving to be as successful as bariatric surgery in Simi Valley. In fact, England's National Health Service has noted that the procedures are saving money over the long term by preventing the need for more serious and expensive interventions later on.

Of course, we're concerned with fighting the war on at obesity here at home. If you or a loved one is suffering from severe obesity and is considering a surgical approach to dealing with this potentially deadly and debilitating problem, we are here to help.

Stay Motivated Through the Holidays

Weight loss is an important goal, particularly if you’re suffering with severe obesity and the major associated health risks like heart attack, diabetes, and stroke. For all of us, there is one time of year where it seems to be more difficult than other times to lose weight, and that’s the holiday season. Here at University Bariatrics we want to help both potential patients and anyone who may experience difficulties with weight loss avoid the holiday pitfalls.

The most important thing to realize about the holidays is that you’re going to be surrounded by temptation; even more so than usual. The holiday season is a time to feast with big family meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas to look out for. It might seem like torture to avoid indulging a little, but it doesn’t have to be as bad as you think. Go ahead and help yourself to all those delicious sides and main courses. Just don’t overdo it. A holiday meal is actually a great time to practice self-control because you can eat a little of a lot, instead of a lot of a little, which will trick your mind into feeling fuller quicker. 

Don’t forget to control your serving sizes! Try using a smaller plate, and feel free to load that plate up as much as possible. You’ll eat less, but it will feel like more. Just don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of putting off weight loss any further. It can be easy to delay it until after the holidays, but don’t do it. Every day suffering with severe obesity is another day risking serious health issues. For patients who begin their journey into weight loss, we provide bariatric surgery in Thousand Oaks and nearby areas as an effective solution. Visit our office today to find out why University Bariatrics is a top choice for weight loss procedures including a sleeve gastrectomy in Westlake Village area.