weight problems and disease

This morning Ellen, Brian and Stephanie have raised money and are doing a walk in Montgomery County to support Multiple Sclerosis research. A great cause...I have a number of patients in my practice who have MS and the serious cases can be life devastating.

There is not a week that goes by that I do not see advertised some 5K or 10K run/walk to raise awareness/money for some very wonderful causes. Breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, AIDS, etc. These disease processes can severely impact lives and finding new preventions/treatments can be an amazing positive impact on society.

I do not believe I have seen a walk/run that raises awareness/money for the obesity problem in America. Obesity, which leads to many of the diseases I listed above, is the major contributing cause to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, etc. Why are there no walks/telethons/money raising events that specifically name "obesity" as the cause? The reason: most people do not believe that obesity is a "disease", but rather an issue that is under someone's control. Hey, all the overweight person needs to do is "stop eating/gorging", right??? Why should there be fundraisers to benefit a cause that is clearly a personal issue? Well, my answer is this: Yes, obesity IS a disease and no, it is not a simple decision on a person's part to choose to be obese. There is not one obese person out there that wants to be this way. Whether it be environmental, chemical, familial or other contributions, someone is not making the choice to be obese. Further research would be increibly helfful to identify neurochemical alterations that could be made or psychological counseling techniques that would have a long-term effect on reducing weight.

Hmmm...after writing this, I have an idea. How about Serotonin-Plus sponsors a walk to bring recognition to Obesity being a disease? As part of the sponsorship, we would provide free weight loss programs to perhaps a number of people who could never be able to afford our program. I will discuss this idea with Melissa, Sonita, Jess, Kerri, Donna, Joann and the rest of the staff to get their imput. Check this blog for the date we will do this!!!

DON'T FORGET....PATIENT APPRECIATION DAY TODAY 10-2!!!!!!