Reducing obesity essential
WHEN obese people walk into Ruth Moss’s office, they are at the wits end.
Often they have tried dozens of diets but have failed to shed unhealthy weight.
“They are often very down on themselves,” Ms Moss said.
Through bariatric surgery and follow-up peer support, Ms Moss guides people towards regaining control of their weight.
With today being World Obesity Day, Ms Moss urged anyone overweight to take action.
“The research suggests the obesity rate is quite bad in Toowoomba,” she said.
“A lot of comes down to lifestyle, poor habits, boredom eating or stress eating.
“Those bad habits lead to a point were people cannot turn their weight around.”
For the past two years, Ms Moss has managed a support group for post-operative patients at the Toowoomba Weight Loss Surgery.
At the weekend, four of her patients achieved a milestone of competing in the 10km leg of Peak2Park.
“There was a group of ladies who wanted to get fit, so we started walking in Queens Park.” she said
“Before surgery, the women would not have thought finishing a 10km walk possible, so it was a massive achievement.
“Together the four of them have lost more than 140kgs.”
With guidance and followup consultations, Ms Moss is confident the women will keep their weight off.
Surgery is a serious decision that does not suit everyone, but Ms Moss said ignoring significant weight gain was a real danger to long-term health.
“People are very complacent, they know the health issues and co-morbidities that go with obesity, but do not think it will not happen to them.
“It affects blood pressures, leads to diabetes, high cholesterol; you are a ticking time bomb for heart attack or stroke.”