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I recently attended the 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). which was help this year in Grapevine Texas at the beautiful and luxurious Gaylord Texan. This convention was a time to all members of the health care team, including surgeons, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, nurses, psychologists, exercise physiologist, etc., to learn about the newest advances in obesity prevention and treatment (both surgical and non-surgical), as well as network with other health care members from all over the world. Approximately two thirds of all Americans are overweight or obese. Obesity is not simply a result of overeating. Research has shown that, in many cases, an underlying cause of morbid obesity is genetic. Other causes of obesity include metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, and cultural and environmental factors. Living with excess weight can negatively impact your physical, emotional, relational, and financial well being. The effects of obesity are widespread and far-reaching. Some effects are obvious. You may tire easily, or you may have trouble finding clothing that fits, keeping up with your kids at the playground, or fitting into a movie theater seat. Perhaps you even avoid particular social situations or limit your activities because of your weight. Some effects are not so obvious. Morbid obesity has been found to affect the quality of health and the duration of life. 3 It has been linked to several serious and life-threatening diseases, including: Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Depression, and Cancer. Additionally, researchers estimate obesity cost Americans 92.6 billion dollars in 2002. In 1994, lost productivity (including workdays lost, doctor visits, restricted-activity days and bed-days) costs were estimated at $3.9 billion. To learn more about getting involved in the fight against the obesity epidemic please visit the following websites: www.asmbs.org, www.walkfromobesity.com, www.obesityaction.org, www.eatright.org
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