One
solution to the obesity epidemic includes changing one’s diet. In recent
decades, low carbohydrate diets have become popular amongst Americans. Dr. Baladad, a physician at Marcotte Medical Group in
Dyer, Indiana, explains the basic structure of a low-carb diet.
A low-carb diet
emphasizes eating proteins, natural fats, and vegetables, while decreasing, and
in some cases eliminating altogether, the consumption of grains, breads,
pastas, rice, starchy root vegetables, refined and processed carbohydrates, and
sugar-sweetened beverages. There are generally no restrictions or limitations
placed on the intake of proteins and natural fats other than to “eat to satiety”
(1).
Registered dietitian, Dr. Jennifer Fitzgibbons, explains the
rationale behind carbohydrates and weight loss: “A low-carbohydrate diet is
basically applied to diets that restrict carbohydrates to less than 20 percent
of caloric intake” (1). Because carbohydrates are eliminated and replaced with
proteins and vegetables, there is an automatic reduction in caloric intake and
Despite being restrictive of carbohydrates, low-carb diets
have leeway in regards to what one can and cannot eat. Even more appealing is
the inexpensive cost to maintain such a diet. With an abundance of online,
resources such as recipes, tutorials and support blogs, people can virtually
spend very little money maintaining a low-carb lifestyle. The options are
endless and customizable upon personal preference. As a result, people of any economic status
could partake in this lifestyle (Aglaee 1).
Another solution to the increasing rate of obesity in America
is weight loss surgery. Although highly controversial and quite costly,
bariatric surgery is a rapid weight loss solution for the obese population.
Renowned medical doctor, James Madura II, claims the most popular form of
bariatric surgery is gastric bypass surgery. Dr. Madura describes gastric
bypass as an invasive surgery that manipulates the way the stomach absorbs and
digests food (1). Despite being a quick fix, the invasive medical procedure is
extremely costly. As of 2018, the average cost for gastric bypass surgery is
$23,000 (Weight Loss Surgery Insurance Coverage and Costs 1).
The procedure has also been known to do more harm than good
(Madura 1). In a recent article, Harvard Medical’s chief editor, Howard LeWine,
discusses the alarming link between alcohol and surgery participants. LeWine
states, “It is reported that almost 11% of nearly 2,000 men and women who
underwent gastric bypass surgery (the most common type of obesity surgery) got
in trouble with drinking by the second year after surgery. About 7% drank too
much before the operation, representing a 50% increase”. Additionally, Pichamol Jirapinyo, an advanced
endoscopy doctor in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
(BWH) brings up an alarming statistic, “The average person who undergoes
gastric bypass will eventually regain 20 to 30 percent of the weight they
initially lost. About a third of patients will gain back nearly all of their
lost weight” (1).
Despite the appeal of rapid weight loss, individuals will
still need to make lifestyle changes to maintain their new weight. The surgery
alone will not help someone lose weight and keep it off. Rather, it is simply a tool to jump start
weight loss and to start towards the maintenance of long-term good health
(Richardson 1). All and all is bariatric surgery truly worth the cost and the potential risks when there are less
damaging solutions?
The
best solution for Americans and their fight with the obesity epidemic is to
maintain a healthy diet and to incorporate physical activity in their lives
(Tello 1). Methods like low-carb diets and weight loss surgery are short-term
and quick fixes that are both difficult to maintain and high-risk (Tello 1). A
balanced diet, on the other hand, does not restrict individuals of healthy
nutrients that are essential for the human body to function properly, nor does
it cost thousands of dollars. It is simply a change in eating patterns. Along
with healthier eating, individuals need to engage in physical active. Higher levels of physical activity promote
long-term weight-loss success. Medical doctor, Monique Tello, suggests aiming
for about two and a half hours of vigorous physical activity per week to
maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle for life. It is just as important for
people to enjoy the foods they love, but they key here is to enjoy them in
moderation (Bruso 1). While sugars and alcohol are not ideal, splurging on
occasion is not harmful to the body. Losing weight at a natural and healthy
pace allows room for these treats that we Americans love.
In
the eyes of Alfred Camus, life solutions are illogical, and stopping the
obesity epidemic is no exception. Devoid from intrinsic meaning, life to Camus
was a battle; The battle between we want in this universe and what we actually
find, and one will never find the meaning of what they seek. Camus believed
that existence is objectively meaningless and people should not flee from the
absurd worthlessness of life. Instead one should live passionately and to the
fullest. Death is in inevitable and to focus on treatments and cures to solve
the obesity epidemic is futile.
According
to Camus, the obesity epidemic has to be viewed as a symbol of the absurd, and
to understand that life is absurd is the first step to living life. Additionally,
one must understand that life is
meaningless and this should be embraced. The obesity epidemic is not one that
should be solved but rather enjoyed in its own state. When people can stop
fighting this life-long disease, people will be free. Despite the difficulty of
understanding this absurdity and living in a world that is devoid of meaning,
people should also be living without fear of the unknown. Living in fear gives
meaning to situations and experiences as well as encourages human emotions – which
Camus does not support unless leading to the discovery of absurdity. There is
no solution to the increasing epidemic and society should accept this
absurdity. Through this acceptance, people can begin to live freely, fully and
enjoy life in the moment.
Works Cited
Aglaee, Jacob. “Daily High
Protein Low Carb Plan on a Budget”. San
Francisco Gate. 2017 July 20. https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/daily-high-protein-low-carb-plan-budget-1009.html
Bruso, Jessica. “How Often Can
You Splurge on a Diet?” San Francisco
Gate. 2017 July 20.
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/can-splurge-diet-2560.html
Baladad, Mary Jane. “What is a Low-Carb Diet?” Obesity Medicine Association. https://obesitymedicine.org/low-carb-diet/
Jirapinyo, Pichamol. “Gained Weight after Gastric
Bypass?” Brigham Health Hub. https://brighamhealthhub.org/gastrointestinal/gained-weight-after-gastric-bypass
LeWine, “Howard. “Alcohol Abuse
Linked to Weight-Loss Surgery”. Harvard
Health Publishing. 2015 October 2015. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/alcohol-abuse-linked-to-weight-loss-surgery-201206194908
“Low-Carbohydrate Diets” Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/low-carbohydrate-diets/
Madura, James II. “Quick fix or
long-term cure? Pros and Cons of Bariatric Surgery”. US National Library of Medicine. 2012 October 2. Abstract https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3470459/
Richardson, William S. “Long-term Management of Patients after Weight
Loss Surgery”. US National Library of
Medicine. 2009 Fall; 9(3): 154–159.
Abstract. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096273/
Tello, Monique. “Which Diet is
Best for Long-term Weight Loss?” Harvard Health Publishing. 2018 April 9. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/weight-loss-for-life-the-dietfits-study-2018040913595
“Weight Loss Surgery Insurance Coverages and
Costs”. Obesity Coverage. 2018
September 28. https://www.obesitycoverage.com/weight-loss-surgery-insurance-coverage-and-costs/
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