The statistics for Michigan are startling:

• 62% of Michigan adults are overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) or obese (BMI 30+)
• 24.7% of Michigan adults are designated as obese (BMI of 30+)
• 24% of Michigan high school students are overweight or at risk
• 28% of low-income children aged 2-5 years in Michigan are overweight or at risk
  Sources: 2001 - 2002 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveys (BRFSS)
  

Dr. Amber Darey-Thomas of Bronson Family Practice, Portage, often oversees weight loss programs for her patients. She stresses calorie restrictions along with nutrition and performs thorough physical testing to check for diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other medical factors which impact weight. “I do not recommend over the counter diet aids but in some circumstances, there are prescription medications available. I prefer my patients enroll in educational programs such as Weight Watchers along with the Bronson Athletic Club, YMCA or other area exercise facilities,” Dr. Darey-Thomas states.

Activity is a key component for weight loss. “I'm seeing more obese adults in recent years and a lot of overweight kids, too,” Dr. Darey-Thomas says. “Children sit too much in front of the TV or playing video games. They don't go outside and run around like we did when we were kids. Fast food negatively impacts our diet, with everything super-sized and no portion control. If parents aren't physically active or eating a nutritious diet, children will also learn those unhealthy behaviors. It's a family problem.”

Adam Hines, MPH, MS, Obesity Consultant with the Michigan Department of Community Health, says new studies show 78% of U.S. health care costs from chronic diseases are linked to poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking. “There is a genetic component, but we know we can prevent, delay or control many health problems with more exercise and better eating habits,” Hines says.

“Barring any physical limitation such as a wheelchair, everyone can put on a pair of shoes, get out and walk. That's one step. Every 2000 steps is a mile. Get a pedometer and work up to the minimum recommended 10,000 steps per day, which translates into a five-mile walk. That's the fitness benchmark at which your risk of cardiovascular problems begins to decrease.” Adam Hines quips, “Everybody moves and everybody eats. We can make an impact on our overweight population, starting with physical education in the school systems and teaching better nutrition to our kids.”

For some, bariatric surgery, commonly known as gastric bypass, is the last resort. Dr. Alan Saber, Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at MSU/KCMS - Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies - performs the laparoscopic procedure. “Patients are expected to lose between 60 to 70% of their excess body weight within a year after surgery,” he notes. “So, a patient weighing 500 pounds should end up at approximately 320. The average patient we see weighs between 200 to 350 pounds prior to their surgery and typically 80% are female.”

Candidates for bariatric surgery must be referred from their primary care physician. They usually have a BMI of 35-40 with related medical problems or a BMI of over 40 with no severe medical problems. They must also undergo a thorough physical and psychological screening prior to the surgery and prove that they've tried medically supervised weight loss and exercise programs with limited success. The pre-surgical work up can often take four to five months to complete.

“This is a life saving surgery for someone who has tried everything else, like diet and exercise,” Dr. Saber stresses. “They have a medical problem which requires surgery. It's not considered cosmetic. Their obesity is linked to diabetes, stroke and cancer. There may even be an economic factor if they cannot work due to their obese condition. After they lose weight, many become more active, productive members of society.”

The obesity rate among Michigan adults increased by 80% from 1990 to 2002, one of the highest rates in the nation. 60% of us do not engage in any regular physical activity. Time to put down the TV remote controls, toss the 'gameboys' and get up off the couch. And the next time someone asks you if you want your meal “super-sized,” say “NO!”