The Exercise and Diet Equation

Since issues of obesity and weight loss are part and parcel of what we do here at University Bariatrics, we spend a lot of time discussing the two ends of the energy equation. Specifically, that means the amount of energy, i.e., calories, we take in as food and the amount we expend through various forms of physical activity. While far from everything is known about why and how we gain weight, this equation is clearly central to our weight and overall health.

At the same time, however, a debate has been going on in medical circles about which part of the energy equation matters most when it comes to obesity. On the one hand, the many health benefits of exercise are extremely well documented -- people who exercise definitely suffer from fewer ill effects of excess weight. On the other hand, many individuals on a fairly intense exercise regime may still find themselves very overweight or even very obese. Apparently for most people, it's a lot easier to increase exercise than it is to decrease our food consumption.

Fortunately, such procedures as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass have been proven effective many times over in terms of helping individuals fight the intense hunger-like feelings that make sustaining a major weight loss over the long term so difficult for the vast majority of individuals. If you've been exercising, perhaps feeling better, but are still facing the very real dangers of severe obesity, then it's possible that bariatric surgery in Thousand Oaks may be worth exploring. Give us a call any time at 805-379-9796.