Obesity Becomes A "Bigger Political" Issue

Governor Chris Christie's new look has only been mentioned a few times in the media, but it is taking a notice to those who not only follow his campaign , but are followers of his once profound size. This size wasn't just his "big" impact on politics , but the Governor's obesity issue. Back in the fall of 2012 the Governor could be seen stomping around making political speeches, winded, out of breath and even hunched over with coat in arm as he sweated to the next media stop. Soon political pundits that were critical of the governor's political views become more critical of whether an "obese" man could be taken seriously as a presidential candidate and other high offices. Some articles viewed him as a caricature of a politician rather than be taken seriously .Gov. Chris Christie became a target on some late night t.v. talk shows because of his girth as well the affect it appeared to be disabling him toward an effective governorship. Well in late March 2013, the "new" Governor Christie arrived quite svelt and slim in comparison to his prior images in 2011-12. Somewhere in late December of 2012 after all the Hurricane Sandy matters had died down, the Governor went "off the radar". Did he get a stomach stapling, stomach bypass or the "stomach bubble" placement...? Nobody is talking. But, it is very obvious the Governor took some drastic means to obtain and show off his new BMI(body mass index). Today the Governor looks as "peppier" than ever, with renewed strength, vitality and youth. Whatever he did, this new look seems to be very attractive to the camera and perhaps even potential voters toward his decision to run for further office in 2016. Earlier rumors of him being a running mate in "16" have been floating around. But, this just shows us how deep the impact, politically, obesity has on the "electability" of a sitting Governor. It also shows us how certain prejudices, stereotypes and the degree our culture's discrimination of the obese exists. The medical and health community can not only continue to talk about exercise and diet as mainstays of fitness , but also introduce more organic and natural methods such as herbs, vitamins, enzymes, minerals, anti-oxidants and bio-medical means with nano-technology . All exist out there for maintaining a normal BMI and preventing overweight or obesity (BMI 30-35) . More than that , there has been greater and wider recognition of "morbid" or extreme obesity in the media. Those with a BMI greater than 40 are designated with Extreme(Morbid) type of obesity . Reality television shows such as "The Biggest Loser" has shown the level this crisis has , but these shows help personalizes and humanizes the struggles individuals go through to lose weight. Thus, reducing stereotypes and prejudices about the obese. What it also shows is just how really difficult it is for extreme obese to maintain their weight loss. In reality after 6 months most of them regain their weight , which brings us to the question of bariatrc surgery. Bariatric surgery is the last hurrah for most with a BMI over 40 or those who with a BMI of 38 along with other obese related conditions (high blood pressure, history of heart attack, high cholesterol etc...). But, it isn't as simple a decision to undergo as the surgery itself can be a risk. Many surgical candidates themselves have to lose weight first to be able to fit on the surgical table, tolerate the anesthesia and undergo the stress on the heart. It is rather ironic that one has to first lose weight by conventional methods before undergoing the surgery. But, statistically results are fairly good for bariatric surgery, so far. However, further longterm studies are looking at the longer broader effects. Complications such as loss of vitamin B12, malabsorbtion,sutures erupting, balloon erupting, diarrhea, bleeding, gallbladder disease with gallstones and mortality can be associated with the surgery.For those seeking liposuction, other complications with a risk of morbidity and mortality exists as well. Subjects of Bariatric surgery have several choices from stomach stapling to shrink the stomach down and create the early sensation of fullness(satiety). There are by pass surgeries that allow stomach contents to avoid absorption of extra-calories via the stomach and gut. More novel devices such as inflatable balloons in the stomach to stretch on the stomach wall to give the sensation of fullness also work.While bariatric surgery deals with reducing internal organs, liposuction on the other hand deals with exogenous fat. by literally "sucking out" the fat in the abdominal cavity. It is important to remember and advise , that even after "successful" surgery continuance of one's old lifestyle can seriously have a negative effect on the surgery. Studies have found many regaining weight, eating unhealthy foods, becoming less fit than before as well due to not following healthier habits including exercise and diet

. Bariatric surgery is not exactly a simple procedure and is fraught with risks itself. Consult your local Bariatric Surgeon if you meet the medical criteria for such a procedure. You might just be saving your own life. In the spring of 2012 Dr. Marcus Wells, MD, MPH presented his book Fit Family to both President Obama and Governor Chris Christie