Big Brains in Davos World Economic Forum Stumped by Obesity. 

The Need for New Technologies to Treat DIABESITY (Diabetes & Obesity)

Jan 23rd, 2014

MenloPark, Ca

Karen Reed

Obesity is the fastest-growing chronic disease, killing 2.8 million adults every year. With 1.4 billion overweight adults, we live in a world where unhealthy food, labour-saving devices, motorized transport and sedentary work are prevalent. Fast food sales are also on the rise, blurring the boundaries between meals and snacks.

  American Medical Association took a great step to declare obesity as a disease.  Next step is to support researchers and entities focused on treating obesity. We have seen some progress with pharmaceutical industry, but we need more less invasive medical intervention technologies  like the lap band and other  technologies that can help patients fight obesity and reduce the cost , morbidity and mortality burden.
Medical Schools and Universities need to increase programs for bariatric and obesity medicine and surgery. There are over 30 Million Super Obese individuals who suffer from obesity and have one or more chronic conditions like Diabetes.
Weight loss surgery cost approximately $20,000 to $35,000. Drug treatment cost approximately $8000/yr for the drugs to treat up to 10% excess weight.
Clearly, less invasive surgery seems to be the more attractive treatment for obesity. The Stampede trial conducted by Cleveland Clinic suggested that the weight loss surgery helps resolve diabetes.
The fight against obesity is spreading worldwide.
Emerging countries like India has gone from undernourished to obesity in the last decade. A sobering thought, if all the people acted responsibly and started reversing the trend it will take 3 decades to get back to the 1990 level of obesity. 

The facts are staggering:

• In 2008, more than 1.4 billion adults over the age of 20 were overweight
• 30% of Mexican adults are obese
• 65% of people live in countries were obesity kills more than undernourishment does

In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity in the US were estimated at US$ 147 billion
 Posted by Karen Reed
All opinions expressed are those of the author. The Blog  is an independent and neutral platform dedicated to generating debate around the key topics that shape global, regional and industry agendas.