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.