Although obesity is a widespread epidemic, many misconceptions still exist about its causes and solutions. To help spread the word, open a dialogue for change and influence policy makers, Allergan, Inc., the makers of the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System, recently launched the C.H.O.I.CE campaign.

The C.H.O.I.C.E. (Choosing Health over Obesity Inspiring Change through Empowerment) Campaign is an educational initiative designed to provide a platform for consumers, healthcare professionals and Congress to work together to address the obesity epidemic through a dual focus on prevention and treatment, to reduce the prevalence of obesity and ultimately help                                                                        the obese regain their health and their lives.

The C.H.O.I.C.E. campaign is built on three tenants:

• Obesity is a disease, NOT a choice. People need to understand that being significantly overweight (e.g., 100 pounds or more overweight) is not a choice resulting from lack of will power or laziness. Those struggling with their weight have often spent years dieting and exercising without long-term success. Too often, people misperceive obesity as a personal choice resulting from bad lifestyle and eating habits. But, medical research now indicates obesity has more to do with science and the biology of fat, rather than lack of will power or discipline. The C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign provides education and facts to address the stigma associated with obesity, an important step in the prevention and treatment of the disease.
• People who are 100 pounds or more overweight do have a choice. There is growing medical evidence to support that, for people who are more than 100 pounds overweight, weight-loss surgery is more effective than traditional dieting and exercise alone. Anyone who is more than 100 pounds overweight deserves to know they do have a choice.
• America has a choice when it comes to costs associated with obesity. The annual cost of overweight and obesity in America is now projected at $147 billion per year, and is only expected to increase. Prevention policies alone are not enough to address the growing U.S. obesity epidemic. Tackling the obesity epidemic requires a commitment to both prevention and treatment and will only happen with the help of consumers, healthcare professionals and Congress.

If you’re interested learning more about the C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign or signing the online petition to congress you can visit www.mychoicecampaign.com. You can also find the campaign on Facebook.

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana are committed to fighting the obesity epidemic by helping our patients achieve a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight. Whether you are interested in weight loss surgery or medically supervised weight loss counseling, we can help you take control of your eating and your weight. Join us for a free seminar or take a weight loss quiz to help you get started.