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This week: metabolic surgery, dementia care and more

The idea that a morbidly obese person can achieve a healthy weight through willpower alone is outdated, according to Dr.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.