The Toledo Blade has an interesting article about the rising demand in Lucas County for medically directed methods to help people lose weight. (Source: "Medically directed weight-loss programs gaining in demand," Oct. 22, 2007.) This demand is fed by a rise in obesity, diabetes, and other health problems in the county, where 70% of adults are overweight or obese, according to the 2007 Lucas County Adult Health Assessment. According to another survey, 54% of all Lucas County adults are trying to lose weight.
Among the options being offered in the area are gastric bypass surgery, medically supervised diets, supplements, hospital support groups, and "a residential weight loss program housed in a Gibsonburg nursing home where one patient lost 1,000 pounds in two years." All these programs "stress the need to eat wholesome food and exercise."
