September 26, 2007
Disparity in Bariatric Surgery
From the September 26, 2007 issue of JAMA (subscription may be required):
Bariatric surgery is the only health care intervention that facilitates significant and sustained weight loss. Surgery results in remission of diabetes in 80% to 90% of obese patients with diabetes, and reduces the risk of death associated with obesity by nearly 30%.
The demographic characteristics of patients who have bariatric surgery are not reflective of individuals with severe obesity in the United States. For example, nearly 84% of patients who undergo the surgery are women, more than 90% are white, and most have higher income levels.
The commentary goes on to say that blacks, Hispanics, and those with low incomes are more likely to be obese and that obesity in these groups "have even greater devastating social and clinical consequences."
The entire commentary is well worth the read.
Coming Up:
The next presentation in our Works in Progress series, held in collaboration with the Center for Health Equity, will be at Cleveland State on Friday, October 12 from 3-4 p.m.
Kenneth Sparks, PhD will present, 'The Effective Community: Education on Disease Risk in Hispanic Females.'
RSVP to Kendra Daniel at k.daniel@csuohio.edu or by phone 216-687-4704.