In this week’s edition of WLS News, discover how weight loss surgery can reduce the risk of cancer in women, and why results may be different for men. Plus, learn about the rising trend of American teenagers choosing weight loss surgery, find out why some patients Down Under are forced to wait up to seven years for obesity surgery, get the details on a new online support program for gastric bypass and gastric sleeve patients, and discover why BMI is not the best way to determine obesity among the elderly. Read the full story

Weight loss surgery can be effective treatment for teen metabolic syndrome, according to a recent study. Metabolic syndrome, also called Syndrome X, is linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. Teens who have metabolic syndrome are likely to become obese, unhealthy adults, unless they become proactive about their health. Read the full story

On the March 20, 2009, edition of WLS News, we’ll fill you in on the connection between excess weight and erectile dysfunction, and explore the impact that carrying excess weight can have on your breathing. We’ll also explain how teenage obesity can be as bad as smoking, and take a look at the risk of joint replacement surgery for super-obese patients.

Plus we’ll showcase a new seven-step program designed to help children who suffer from obesity move toward a healthy life. And reporter Yvonne McCarthy, host of WLS Journeys, will announce a special contest for weight loss surgery video bloggers. Tune in now to see this week’s newscast!

Organizations mentioned in this week’s news:

• American Urological Association
• Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
• Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten)
• The British Medical Journal
• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
• Mayo Clinic
• Feinberg School of Medicine (Northwestern University)
• CORE (Centers for Obesity Research and Education)
• Seven Steps to Success: A Handout for Parents of Overweight Children and Adolescents (PDF)
• American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
• Centre IPC (Paris, France)
• YouTube
• Bariatric Girl (Yvonne McCarthy’s WLS support site)
• Bariatric Advantage (nutritional supplements)