Allergan rallies fat fighters, doctor chills

Allergan launches political campaign to help overweight citizens

The maker of Botox and the Lap-Band weight-loss stomach band has launched a campaign seeking a change in people’s attitude about obesity — from thinking of it as a moral failure to understanding it as a disease.

Irvine-based Allergan is also urging people to petition Congress for legislation to expand insurance coverage of weight-loss options such as the adjustable Lap-Band.

“There’s more than a principle at stake for Allergan. The Lap-Band is mostly not covered by health insurance in the U.S. As it costs about $14,000 out of pocket, only the wealthy can get it,” says the online CBS business network BNET in the article “Why Allergan Is Turning a Surgical Device Into a Political Cause.”

In the campaign, which it launched last week, Allergan wants people to get involved through:A contest for the best essays and videos describing the effects of a Lap-Band. Winners will get a free trip to Washington, D.C., to lobby for the cause.

Friendly philosopher of fat

Plastic surgeon and blogger Dr. Robert Brueckof Florida summarizes recent research suggesting that moderately overweight can reap health benefits:

It seems that recent research shows that people who are 10 to 15 pounds overweight are NOT necessarily at an increased risk to die from cancer or heart disease. For example people in their 70s who were a little plump had a longer life span over a 10-year time frame. Boy, I would fit right in right now.

Also, it seems a few extra pounds can help your bones fight off osteoporosis. Also a little extra weight can make a person’s face “appear younger.”

He has these words of encouragement for people who are discouraged about their attempts to lose weight: “It is not about having a few extra pounds. It is about what you eat and getting a moderate amount of exercise every week. So let the pounds fall where they may, enjoy, go at it and peace to all!!”

Lipo for weight loss? Nah!

Plastic surgeon and blogger Dr. John Di Saiaof San Clemente and Anaheim tells a questioning reader that liposuction isn’t a good technique for people trying to lose weight:

Overweight patients who have liposuction tend to put the weight back on and lose far less than they had hoped when all is said and done. Their remaining fat cells simply overfill with fat and/or new areas that were not problematic before surgery are recruited for more fat storage after surgery.

“Look elsewhere,” he advises.