The word bariatrics is being printed and discussed more and more but what does it mean? It rhymes with geriatric but has no correlation. The definition of bariatrics is the area of medicine that studies the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. Tongue in cheek some say this is a “growing” industry. This may be true but the stark reality is that it is a dangerous and expensive trend in our culture. Obesity in the United States is in fact growing and now according to the CDC no state has less than a 20% population of obese people. Due to this rapid rise in obesity across an entire country it is reasonable to consider this beyond a trend and more like a pandemic.
Bariatrics not only focuses on the causes and prevention of excessive weight gain but also examines varying levels of treatment and intervention. Diet and exercise is the obvious first line of attack you will hear from your doctor but in extreme cases drugs and surgery are used in a desperate attempt to moderate weight levels and stabilize massive weight gain.
Bariatrics is the Medical Study of Obesity
Since the U.S. is a consumer driven economy there is a new segment of business emerging to accomodate obesity. Bariatric products are now available to support the weight of individuals that weigh more than 500 pounds. Hospital beds are used for increased strength and positioning. Extra wide and reinforced wheelchairs, canes and crutches are now being produced to help these individuals. Normal day-to-day activities of mobility and hygiene can become a challenge.
NuHealth Medical 