Now that Medicare is considering paying for a weight-loss program, they have transferred their focus to extreme weight loss treatments such as stomach bypass surgeries. A Medicare researcher stated they are searching for a weight-loss program that will provide long-term benefits. In November, members of the Medicare advisory commission will begin investigating the effectiveness of stomach-bypass surgery.

Who is Getting These Stomach-Bypass Surgeries?

• In 2003, over 100,000 morbidly obese people underwent stomach surgeries
• In order to qualify for the $30,000 procedure a person must be at least 100 pounds over their ideal weight and unable to succeed at other weight loss methods

While several insurance providers offer coverage for these procedures citing them as a way to reduce the number of obesity-related health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida decided to discontinue their coverage due to the risks and possible long-term consequences of these procedures.

Medicare is expecting to receive a variety of weight-loss programs from professionals in the fitness field, but doctors haven't made any plans to look into any other weight-loss treatments.

Statistics showed that nearly 7.4 million Medicare recipients are classified as obese. They also revealed that Medicare currently provides coverage for obesity-related problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart problems and many forms of cancer.

Tax dollars are already going toward covering the $39 billion in obesity-related medical costs.

Yahoo News July 20, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Isn't it enough that nearly 20 percent of our budget and trillions of dollars go toward a health care system that doesn't work and transfers the majority of the profits to drug companies that could care less about your health? Now to add insult to injury, Medicare is looking into paying for stomach-bypass surgeries, which are riddled with dangerous side effects not to mention low success rates, as a way to fight obesity. Needless to say, I am not an advocate of this procedure when far more effective, healthy and less expensive options exist. A staggering 61 percent of American adults currently meet the scientific definition of obesity, putting them at increased risk of: Heart disease Diabetes Stroke Arthritis Depression Several forms of cancer This is a problem of catastrophic proportions and one that can be relatively easily corrected. Gastric bypass may seem like the quick fix, however it is not the solution because of its many negative long-term health consequences. The obesity problem is not caused by large amounts of fat, but rather by the excess grain carbohydrates in our diets. Anyone who has reviewed my Total Health Program is familiar with this. I strongly suggest, though, before you begin any kind of regimen, learning your nutritional type. This is absolutely essential if you want to optimize your health and weight in the most rapid, financially efficient and permanent manner. Related Articles: Concerns Raised Over "Stomach Stapling" Surgery for Obese Obesity Surgery Leaves Many in Misery Obesity Surgery Exploding How You Can Avoid Needless Surgeries Modern Health Care System is the Leading Cause of Death, Part III Dental Device for Weight Loss?