Americans recognize dangers of obesity, unsure how to lose weight

The obesity epidemic has become one of the largest health concerns for Americans, with 81 percent claiming it just as serious as cancer. Still, facing early death, heart disease and diabetes, most Americans are unsure of healthy, effective ways to lost weight.

A survey conducted by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the University of Chicago analyzed responses in regard to obesity, effective weight-loss strategies and safe approaches to shedding pounds.

Results showed the following:

• One in three obese individuals have never spoken to their doctor about their weight.
• Only 12 percent of morbidly obese patients have discussed weight loss surgery with their doctor.
• 60 percent of American are trying to lose weight.
• More than half of obese patients have tried to lose weight at least five times.
• 22 percent of obese Americans rate their health positively, while half of them report having two or more chronic conditions.
• 78 percent believe diet and exercise are the most effective ways to lose weight, while 60 percent believe weight-loss surgery is most effective.
• 88 percent of Americans believe diet and exercise is the safest way to lose weight.
• 31 percent believe weight-loss surgery is safe , while 37 percent believe it to be unsafe.
• 68 percent believe that living with obesity is more dangerous that weight-loss surgery.

“This survey reveals that Americans understand the risks of obesity better than ever, but hold major misperceptions about the causes of the disease, the effectiveness of the different treatments and the importance of involving the medical community in their care," said Raul J. Rosenthal, MD, President, ASMBS and Chairman, Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida. "I think obesity may be the only life-threatening disease where more than a third of the patients do not consult a doctor for treatment, and where the vast majority do not explore other treatment options that may yield better long-term success rates."