Obese Patients Urged to Lose Weight

April 22, 2010 - PRLog -- SAN DIEGO – The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reports that approximately two-thirds of obese adults have been told by a health care provider that they are overweight.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the degree of obesity for adults is determined by using an individual’s weight and height for a body mass index or BMI calculation. BMI is used for most people because it correlates with their amount of body fat. The healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9.

BMI is just one indicator of the potential health risks associated with being overweight or obese. Any individual who is overweight must be assessed for the presence of heart disease, diabetes or joint-related problems, as these health issues are very closely related to obesity. For many people who are severely overweight, bariatric surgery performed through an accredited bariatric surgery center is a viable, long-term solution that can lead to a healthier and longer life when accompanied by life-style modification.

“Many of our patients struggle with obesity for years before coming to see us, and their health really suffers as a result,” said Janos Taller, MD, FACS, surgeon at Scripps Mercy Hospital and Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group. “The risk of weight loss surgery is outweighed by the tremendous health and lifestyle benefits that accompany the dramatic weight loss we see after bariatric surgery.”

Surgeons at Pacific Bariatric have performed more than 12,000 procedures on adult and adolescent patients at Scripps Mercy Hospital. As a result of outstanding aftercare programs and support groups, patients at Pacific Bariatric see a success rate slightly higher than the national average.

Established in 1890 by the Sisters of Mercy, Scripps Mercy Hospital serves the San Diego and Chula Vista communities.  With 700 licensed beds, more than 3,000 employees and 1,300 physicians, Scripps Mercy Hospital is San Diego’s longest established and only Catholic hospital.  With two campuses, Scripps Mercy Hospital is the largest hospital in San Diego County and one of the 10 largest in California. For more information, visit www.scripps.org.

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Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group, Inc. and Scripps Mercy Hospital are nationally designated by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery as a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group, also known as Hillcrest Surgical Medical Group, Inc., has an 80-year tradition of surgical excellence and leadership in San Diego County. For more information about Pacific Bariatric, visit www.pbsmg.com.