Weight Loss Surgery News – April 9, 2010

This week on WLS News, we’ll explain how calorie counts on fast food menus could curb the obesity epidemic, and why weight loss surgery is becoming increasingly popular Down Under — despite protests from the nation’s major insurance carriers. Plus, find out how much exercise is needed per day for women to maintain their weight, and see why obesity may be under-diagnosed in America. Get the details on all of these stories and more in this week’s newscast.

Each week, WLS News covers new research findings, medical breakthroughs, legislative changes and demographic trends related to the treatment of overweight and obesity. Click the video player below to view this week’s newscast.

Organizations mentioned in this episode:

• Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity (Yale University)
• Dr. Kelly D. Brownell
• Penn State University
• Decision Analyst
• Medibank Private
• Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Bariatric Girl (Yvonne McCarthy’s WLS blog)
• Dr. I-Min Lee
• Dr. Eric Braverman
• American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
• Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee

Summary from this week’s report:

Calorie Counts on Fast Food Menus Aim to Curb Obesity

Calorie counts will soon be listed on fast food menus throughout the country.  The change comes as a result of the fight against obesity and was included in the health care bill passed earlier this month.

Weight Loss Surgery Rates Soar Down Under

Weight loss surgery is increasingly in Australia, but the numbers show that the benefits of the procedure for the average patient fall far short of the costs for health insurance providers.

Women Need Daily Exercise to Maintain Weight, Study Shows

A new study shows that women need to exercise daily for 60 minutes in order to maintain their weight throughout adulthood, without restrictive dieting.

Obesity Under Diagnosed When Using Body Mass Index

Obesity is under diagnosed when a person’s BMI is used, according to a new study.  This could mean that the rate of obesity may be higher than previously thought.

Anti-Obesity Drug Slated for FDA Review

A new weight loss drug, Qnexa, is set to go in front of an FDA advisory panel in July.  Makers of Qnexa hope it will be available by the end of the year.