Nyghel Williams

21 January 2016

1st PD

Effects of Common Weight Loss Options

15.1% is not the standard for any U.S. state in 1980. Not one state exceeds

20% eleven years later. 4% more is the level that no state dared to pass in 2000. Add

seven more years and only one state decides to step out of the nation's comfort zone.

30% seems abnormal until 2013 releases all of the firm stability the nation once

possessed (Levi 4).

An inconsistent pattern blossoms with groups of states having different

percentages representing one epidemic. Primarily known as an adult health problem

for decades, obesity is currently presenting the same most common weight loss

options to now more than 12 million of 2013 American adolescents alone ("Childhood

Obesity Facts.")

For individuals who are morbidly obese, the medical term BMI, or body mass

index, comes into play as a control variable would in a scientific experiment.

Compared to the weight of an ideal healthy person that is the same height as the

specific obese individual, being 100 pounds over the standard weight translates to

"severe obesity ( What is Morbid Obesity?)".

Three strategical treatments exist to assist "those who are on the heavier and

sicker side of the spectrum (Flum)." Besides dieting paired with daily exercise, and

limited success with drug options for short term weight loss, bariatric surgery serves

as a process that produces month long results if taken care of by the patient
(Fernandez). One can not lose weight then return back to eating as they would,

because of the human body's "set point"-based on how long a weight range has

existed in one's life ("Choices ").

If an adolescent has a BMI 40 kg/m2, they qualify as morbidly obese

(Fernandez), therefore qualifying them for a possible surgery. The parent or guardian

must give their informed consent for the surgery to become a possibility for the

adolescent . Then, without even the slightest psychological influence from anyone

regarding their decision for the surgery, an agreement of the minor, or assent is given

before the operation proceeds. The most frequently performed weight loss procedure

and "golden standard for surgery (What is Morbid Obesity?)" Roux-en-Y, could be

selected. Or maybe the official Food and Drug Association non approved ("Childhood

and Adolescent Obesity"), laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, commonly

addressed as lap band surgery will be the minor's lifesaver. One day, the FDA could

finally reign victorious over surgical options with the fat substitute Olestra.

According to the processes revealed by the University of California Medical

Center, the Roux-en-Y surgeon temporarily numbs a child's body from pain with

anesthesia ("Obesity Surgery"). In order to live a life with a stomach capable of

storing less food, which is not well absorbed from the procedure and on, two staples

have to puncture the stomach to separate it into two pieces. The new, egg shaped

stomach created is reconnected with the small intestines just after the duodenum- two

feet down the intestines. Beneath, the former stomach intestinal tract joins that of the

new stomach, making the "y" shape present in the surgery's name. Digestion is now

a binary process between two stomachs instead of one. Having the ability to signal

the brain more distinctively when the individual is hungry,is a new role of the former

stomach. However, food does not pass through it anymore. Only autonomous
digestive juice flows through the intersection ("Choices"), until satisfied hunger

prevails.

Lap band surgery mainly consists of an inflatable silicone band wrapped

around the upper stomach. What could one measly band cost an individual? Three to

five incisions are placed on the stomach so that a fluid carrying port can be filled to

pursue the intended amount of weight loss for the patient. Then, a strict clear liquid

diet has to be followed before 4-6 oz. of soft food can be consumed separately from

liquids, which is before a normal, firmer food diet can be consumed (Obesity

Surgery). Movement of food is slowed and satisfied hunger is achieved

sooner(Obesity Surgery)-all achieved with one refillable, silicone band. That is, if

the patient commits to maintaining the long term weight loss purpose this surgery

serves.

Purpose for creating an indigestible sugar compound of six to eight fatty acids

that are found in edible oils ("Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to food

for Human Consumption; Olestra 3119), is to serve as a response to the rapid growth

in insufficient exercise and constant popularity of fatty foods (Olestra, Health and

Trade). While the FDA approves a food additive that depletes the body of

potentially beneficial substances that dissolve when accompanied by fat, the

National Cancer Institute agency encourages consumers to eat more fruits and

vegetables containing key vitamins A,D,E, and K, for a higher likelihood of

preventing cancer and chronic diseases ("The Problems With Olestra"). Because of

the inability of the human body's enzymes to break down Olestra fatty acids, calories

are not produced from consuming it alone ("Olestra, Health, and Trade"). Therefore,

Olestra does not produce fat.

 According to U.S. federal agency reporting newspaper, Federal Register,

males aged 13-17 years old have the average highest daily Olestra intake of 45 gm/d

("Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to food for Human Consumption;

Olestra 3124"). In an eight week Procter and Gamble (P&G) dose response study, 8
gm
/d results in a 65% increase in cases of gastrointestinal symptoms (GI)- including

diarrhea, loose stools, nausea, gas, and others (The Problems With Olestra)- from

higher ingestions of Olestra than those consuming less than 1 oz. per day (control

group). Other participants in a similar eight week P&G vitamin-restoration study with

identical dosage- taking essential vitamin supplements in attempt to restore those that

Olestra depletes simultaneously- specifically report five times more cases of diarrhea.

Nine of seventeen consuming 32 gm/d (3 oz.) in another eight week study report signs

of diarrhea as well. Another dose response study with the same dosage, report more

than one half of the twenty-four participants who have mainly diarrhea too (The

Problems With Olestra).

A possible combination of postoperative effects include leakage of the former

stomach due to rupture and kidney infection that leads to the implantation of kidney

stones. Those stones just might have to be removed in another surgery later on.

Should it take seven surgical procedures on the same individual, within thirty days to

have instant relief of weight that is not guaranteed to last for the remainder of their

life?

This one 63 year old individual that ensured all of those surgeries traits, Judge

Darrell Phillipson, believes that six months of discomfort is a small price to pay to

have years of life and enjoyment (Phillipson, Darrell). For those who are not as fully

committed to maintaining this lifestyle change- mentally, physically, and emotionally-

this health progression may be an anticipated setback within a few months. A setback
followed by yet more pain and discomfort for consequential surger(y)(ies).

A common misconception that people have of food products containing

Olestra, is that the absence of fat means an absence of calories as well. Carbohydrates

are added to contribute a savory, good taste, which contributes to the formation of

almost half of the calories present in an ordinary, 150 calorie, 1 oz. bag of chips

(Olestra, Health, and Trade). The GI effects from ingesting Olestra are,not

normally life threatening, but very inconvenient, unpleasant, uncomfortable, and

worrisome (The Problems With Olestra)- especially for socially developing

adolescents who overly partake in the fat substitute. Why wouldnt frequent nausea

not scare a nineteen year old into seeking a doctors opinion on whether or not a child

is expected in her future? What junk food eating teenage male wants to have anxiety-

not about a possible first kiss on their first date- but from hoping and praying that his

gas and unforeseeable anal leakage remains tamed for the remainder of the date?

The fact that a Saudi Arabian, morbidly obese boy aged two becomes [the]

youngest in world to have weight loss surgery (Gregory, Andrew) , has no life

threatening, direct relation to the U.S.. The fact that no federal age limit has been

formed (besides one for lap band surgery), for the best safety of adolescents, makes

the underlying statement of obesity being acknowledged as an issue that will continue

to claim more and more people under its qualifications. Not discriminating against

any age, the options available for obese children are not sugarcoated to favor what

would sound suitable to them, but to favor the best chance of their survival. The fact

that the effects from these intense and potentially life threatening options could

change all adolescent life for the better, provides hope for more healthy lives being

enjoyed in the future. However, the amount of enjoyment depends on how willing the

youth are in committing to the maintenance of their subsequent health.

 Works Cited

"Childhood and Adolescent Obesity." ASMBS. American Society for Metabolic and

Bariatric Surgery, 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

"Childhood Obesity Facts." CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19

Jun. 2015. Web. 11 Jan. 2016.

"Choices." The Weight of the Nation: Confronting America's Obesity Epidemic. Prod.

Hoffman, John. Dir. Chaykin, Dan. 2012. DVD.

--Flum, David. Interview (unformatted).

--Phillipson, Darrell. Interview (unformatted).

Fernandez, Silva B. et al. "Peripheral Signals Mediate the Beneficial Effects of

 Gastric Surgery in Obesity." Gastroenterology Research and Practice,

2015(2015): 1-12. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

"Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption;

Olestra." Federal Register 30 Jan. 1996: 3118-3173. Web.

Gregory, Andrew. "Morbidly Obese Boy Aged Two Becomes Youngest in World to

Have Weight Loss Surgery." Daily Mirror. MGN Ltd. Sept. 2013. Web. 12

Jan. 2016.

Levi, Jeffrey et al. "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future." F as in

Fact Obesity Policy Series. (2013):4-302. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Web. 13 Jan. 2016.

"Obesity Surgery." Pediatric Surgery. UCSF, 2015. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

"Olestra, Health, and Trade." TED Case Studies. American University, 2015. Web. 12

Jan. 2016.

"The Problem with Olestra." The Facts About Olestra. Center For Science In the

Public Interest. 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

"What is Morbid Obesity?" Bariatric Surgery Center. University of Rochester

Medical Center, 2016. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.