Get Involved in the C.H.O.I.C.E Campaign
The obesity rate is on the rise and everyday more evidence surfaces linking obesity to life threatening health conditions. Still, there exists a serious stigma surrounding obesity, its causes and its solutions. The C.H.O.I.C.E campaign hopes to combat this stigma by raising awareness and petitioning congress to recognize obesity as a serious disease.
Sponsored by Allergan, makers of the LAP-BAND System, the C.H.O.I.C.E. (Choosing Health over Obesity Inspiring Change through Empowerment) campaign is an educational initiative with three primary principles.
- Obesity is a disease, NOT a choice
- People who are 100 pounds or more over weight do have a choice
- America has a choice when it comes to costs associated with obesity
Obesity is a disease, NOT a choice
Often, obesity is wrongly attributed to laziness or lack of will power but, for people who are 100 pounds or more over weight, medical research shows that obesity has more to do with the biology of fat. People who are classified as obese have often spend years dieting. Many achieve short term success only to gain the weight back, plus more. This yo-yo effect is not a personal choice and has little to do with self discipline. The C.H.O.I.C.E campaign will provide education in the form of hard facts to address the stigma associated with obesity.
People who are 100 pounds or more over weight DO have a choice
While diet and exercise alone might not be enough to combat obesity, weight loss surgery has been proved effective for people who are more than 100 pounds overweight. Gastric bypass surgery and LAP-BAND surgery are among the most common bariatric surgeries performed today. Both procedures are safe, effective and performed laparoscopically. This allows patients to leave the hospital and return to work sooner.
America has a choice when it comes to costs associated with obesity
Americans spend a projected $147 billion per year on costs associated with overweight and obesity. These costs are only estimated to increase. Although new prevention policies are making headway, they alone are not enough to address the current epidemic. Prevention must be coupled with treatment in order to be effective. With the cooperation and commitment of health care professionals, Congress and the American public, obesity can be slowed if not stopped.
The C.H.O.I.C.E Campaign is offering three ways for people to get involved in the cause.
- Enter the Voice My C.H.O.I.C.E Contest
- Sign A Petition to Congress
- Join the Cause on Facebook and Twitter
The Voice My C.H.O.I.C.E Contest gives former LAP-BAND patients the opportunity to win a trip to Washington D.C. in September to share their story with legislators. To enter, visit the contest website and submit a short essay on your weight loss journey.
The petition to Congress can be found on the campaign website. It will be delivered to legislators in September by the Voice My C.H.O.I.C.E contest winner
You can also follow the campaign on FaceBook and Twitter to receive updates and get fun C.H.O.I.C.E campaign banners, icons, wallpapers etc.
If you are interested in learning more about obesity or weight loss surgery, sign up for a free seminar at one of our convenient Connecticut locations. Dr. Ehrlich is committed to combating obesity through effective bariatric surgery. LAP-BAND surgery, gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery have each been proven to help qualified patients lose weight and keep it off. Contact us for a free insurance verification or to learn more.
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