Why would you pay for gastric bypass but not pay people to lose weight? I'd pay for both.
Because gastric bypass alone is a medical procedure. That's a basis for differentiation from lifestyle changes, the other class of "treatments" for obesity. Because it's expensive and they're not. And because it works and they hardly ever do.
other things also are good reasons (and good economic reasons) to pay people to lose weight
Then you should pay them to lower their cholesterol, exercise, but not too hard, use hepafilters, floss, marry, reduce stress, not wear high heeled shoes, have gene transplants, not drink or smoke, etc., etc. I can't draw a bright line between weight loss and other healthy lifestyle choices.
And even if I could, is it fair to those who aren't overweight but have diabetes and gout. I have a friend like that. What about him? What about the fat person who has done everything and can't lose weight? Or loses the same weight over and over? Or gets sicker as a result or losing weight. Been reading lately that losing weight have adverse reactions for already established diabetes. The final returns on that aren't in.
And then there's the cost of the program...
Are you sure you've thought this through? |
