People who were overweight had an average of 0.2 more chronic health conditions than normal weight people, the survey found. Obese people had an average of 0.6 additional chronic conditions and extremely obese people had on average 0.9 more health conditions. The researchers say their findings suggest that public health campaigns against obesity should be as intense as anti-smoking campaigns, the AP says. Stomach Band Approved Obese people trying to lose weight may have a new option to help them slim down. The Food and Drug Administration has approved an implanted stomach band that helps patients limit food intake, The Associated Press reports.
Doctors perform keyhole surgery to place the band around the upper stomach.
Then it is inflated with saline and tightened or loosened as needed to create a small stomach pouch, the AP says. In clinical trials, patients who restricted their diet, exercised and had the band implanted lost an average of 36 percent of their excess weight in three years. Two percent gained weight and 5 percent stayed the same, the AP says. About 89 percent of the patients studied experienced side effects such as nausea, heart burn or abdominal pain with the band, and about a quarter of the patients had the band removed even though it is supposed to stay in place permanently. Used with the permission of the copyright owner.