The idea that a morbidly obese person can achieve a healthy weight through willpower alone is outdated, according to Dr. Howard Simon, director of bariatric surgery at Upstate University Hospital.
People with morbid obesity (defined as a body mass index above 40) have a metabolic disease too complicated to treat with just drugs, diet or exercise; and most will regain weight lost through those methods, he says. Simon explains why bariatric surgery, combined with behavioral changes, has a high rate of long-term success.
Also on this week's show: researchers talk about the impact of poverty and violence on health, plus guidance to caregivers of people with dementia.
Join us for HealthLink on Air this Sunday on WRVO -- at 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
