MONTREAL, May 29 /CNW Telbec/ - Today Josée Roy and Jennifer Schultz,
Coalition co-founders, announced the start of the operations of the Coalition
against Morbid Obesity, a Québec-based non-profit organization which relies on
the strength of association to reduce waiting lists for bariatric surgery in
Québec. They urge people suffering from morbid obesity, as well as those who
are sensitive to the cause, to express their support by becoming members of
the Coalition against Morbid Obesity and by participating in the on-line
survey on www.lepoidsquitue.com.
"After five years of waiting, I finally underwent bariatric surgery in
2002. The operation completely changed my life! Since then, I have been
committed to helping those who are suffering from this disease that is little
known, and which is unfortunately the target of a great deal of prejudice.
Today, I believe that now is the opportune time to demand access to the
treatment to which more than 150,000 Québecers are entitled in order to save
their lives," said Josée Roy. "I underwent my operation in 2004. This helped
to increase my chances of watching my child and my future grandchildren grow
up. Morbid obesity not only reduces quality of life but also life expectancy.
The only effective treatment is bariatric surgery. Why don't we have access,
like heart patients or diabetics, to the treatment that is necessary for our
survival? Hundreds of bariatric surgeries are carried out every year instead
of the thousands that Québecers need: it just isn't enough!" added Jennifer
Schultz.
Coalition survey
The first Coalition activity entails conducting a survey among people
suffering from morbid obesity. Taking the form of a questionnaire, the survey
aims to compile a current portrait of the situation in Québec from the
perspective of people who are suffering from morbid obesity. It mainly focuses
on the accessibility of healthcare resources and the support of loved ones. To
date, over 300 people have participated in the survey. The questionnaire is
available on the Internet at the following address: www.lepoidsquitue.com. It
can be completed online or by telephone at 514-982-6748 or 1-888-439-6355. In
the coming months, the Coalition against Morbid Obesity will organize
information, awareness, and mobilization activities across Québec.
Morbid obesity
Morbid obesity is the starting point for different types of diseases that
are often fatal, such as arterial hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, or heart
disease. An individual's obesity level can be evaluated by means of the body
mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing the person's weight by his
or her height squared (Kg/m2). Morbid obesity corresponds to a BMI that is
greater than or equal to 40.
Bariatric surgery
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bariatric surgery is
considered to be the only effective treatment for morbid obesity. Bariatric
surgery includes a series of techniques that are based on two intervention
principles: gastric bypass (reduced volume) and intestinal malabsorption
(derivation). In Québec in 2005, the Agence d'évaluation des technologies et
des modes d'intervention en santé (AETMIS) tabled a report entitled "Surgical
Treatment of Morbid Obesity - Update", which reviews all of the bariatric
surgery techniques. The AETMIS recommended establishing an action plan in
Québec to define the need for bariatric surgery and devise ways to respond to
these.
About the Coalition against Morbid Obesity
Created in February 2007, the Coalition against Morbid Obesity is a
non-profit, Québec-based organization that draws on the strength of
association to increase awareness of the issue of morbid obesity and to foster
better access to bariatric surgery in Québec. Its signature, "Weight that
kills", expresses the dramatic situation that is experienced by people who are
suffering from morbid obesity. As its name indicates, this disease leads to a
faster death for those who are afflicted. For more information, visit
www.lepoidsquitue.com.
Photographs of Josée Roy and Jennifer Schultz are posted on:
http://www.lepoidsquitue.com/salledepresse_en.php
For further information: Hélène Hains, Enigma communications, (514)
982-0308, extension 221 or 1 888 787-0308, extension 221, h.hains@enigma.ca
