Pennsylvania: known for its historical legacy, its natural beauty, and its vast array of delicious treats. From Tastykakes to cheesesteaks to hot pretzels to Italian ice, from Hershey’s chocolate to Heinz’ 57 varieties, the Keystone State is famous around the world for its good eats.

Sadly, it is also becoming known for something else: its sky-high obesity rate. Over 60% of the population of Pennsylvania is overweight.

Obesity isn’t funny. It is a deadly disease, and one that may lead to life-threatening illnesses called co-morbidities, such as diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, and hypertension. It’s costing us big money, too. In Pennsylvania, over $4 billion is spent each year on obesity-related medical costs, with the taxpayer picking up about half of that tab.

This situation can’t be allowed to continue. It’s time Pennsylvania turned the tables on obesity.

Obesity: The Disease

Obesity is a medical condition with the primary symptom of being above one’s healthy weight. Healthy weight is calculated in terms of individual body mass index (BMI). A person with a BMI of 25 or higher is overweight; a BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity. BMI is calculated by  squaring the patient’s height (h) in inches, multiplying his or her weight (w) in pounds by 703, then dividing the latter by the former [ BMI = 703w/(h2) ]. Therefore, the key to beating obesity is to lower one’s weight.

Losing weight is not especially difficult. Once the body’s daily caloric intake falls below its daily caloric needs, the body begins to burn stored food (i.e., excess fat) to stay alive. But weight loss as such isn’t the cure; the act of simply shedding pounds is not a medical treatment at all, but a palliative aimed at one symptom – weight. Obesity is a complex disease that requires comprehensive medical care. A medical treatment for obesity based upon a complete change in the patient’s lifestyle and eating habits will succeed in reducing BMI in most people.

Legitimate treatment comes in several forms. Many obesity patients respond to education and medically-supervised diets. For those beyond this form of care, however, there’s another option: weight loss surgery.

About Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a laparoscopic procedure is performed to physically alter the stomach and/or bowel, greatly reducing their holding capacity. These alterations force the patient to consume fewer calories each day than his or her body burns, resulting in the loss of excess weight.

But surgery is not a miracle cure. The procedures only work as part of a continuing medical treatment plan. Patients who fail to make the prescribed diet and lifestyle changes after surgery may regain any weight lost or experience other undesirable consequences. The decision to undergo weight loss surgery is also irrevocable; currently, only the Lap-band procedure is reversible.

These surgical operations are not usually complicated or particularly dangerous; however, as does any form of surgery, weight loss surgery does entail risk. Potential surgery patients should carefully assess the possible hazards associated with any surgical weight loss operation in consultation with their physician prior to making a decision.

The Battle Begins

Pennsylvanians will always love their state’s unique treats, but too much of anything – even scrapple! – can be harmful. Sensible changes in lifestyle and diet – together with weight loss surgery when appropriate — can keep more of us alive to enjoy life in this wonderful state.

An epidemic is raging in our state: the obesity epidemic. Across South Dakota, the number of overweight and obese individuals is rapidly increasing. In the Mount Rushmore State almost 63% of adults are overweight or obese.

This epidemic is costing South Dakotans more than just their health – it’s costing them money. According to recent data from the U.S. Public Health Service Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the cost to the taxpayer for obesity-related expenditures in our state amounts to over $195 million annually.

And of course the costs of obesity are not limited to dollars and cents. People die from obesity (and related illnesses called co-morbidities) every day. Thousands of South Dakotans with diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, and hypertension suffer as a result these obesity-related illnesses. 

Obesity Defined

A person who is significantly above their healthy weight is said to be obese.  Healthy weight is calculated in terms of individual body mass index (BMI), but actuarial tables generated from insurance industry statistics are used to determine the actual healthy weight in pounds for persons of various ages, builds, and heights. Your doctor can go over these data with you to determine if you are obese, clinically overweight, or at a healthy weight.

Many of those suffering from obesity have tried everything to lose weight – celebrity diets, brutal exercise regimens, even those snake-oil “medicines” advertised on late-night TV. Some who have tried these methods have lost weight, true, but many others have accomplished nothing other than ruining their health.

Gimmicks are not a safe weight loss option. The only safe way to lose weight is to eat less and become more physically active. Medically-supervised diet and lifestyle modification programs are the ideal way to do this. For some, however, education, counseling, support, and willpower are not enough. Weight loss surgery stands as their weapon of last resort in the war against obesity.

The Surgical Option

When all else fails, doctors can counter a patient’s obesity by physically limiting the amount of food – and thus calories – that he or she can consume. Surgical weight loss – also known as bariatric surgery — has been proven to help ease (and in some cases completely resolve) obesity-related health problems, as well as lessening their chances of developing weight-related health problems in the future. The procedures (there are three types) are performed under general anesthesia, most laparoscopically.

Making the decision

Weight loss surgery is not a cure-all for being fat. Patients must be prepared for a complete change in lifestyle for the surgery to have the desired long-term effect. Those patients who fail to follow postoperative instructions may regain any weight lost. These operations also involve certain risks, which include infection, nutritional deficiencies, ulcers, hernias, and gallstones. Obese patients should always consult with their physician before making any decision regarding surgical weight loss.

Considering Surgical Weight Loss

We South Dakotans are an individualistic people. Each of us must seek our own best method of staying at a healthy weight. For some, weight loss surgery is that method. We should each consider all the options, and then make an informed decision about our own strategy in the war on obesity in South Dakota.