Weight Loss

As a pharmacist, I have to complete 30 units of continuing education every 2 years. These can be done online.

Here is a typical example of a case study that shows how pharmacists are trained to think. See if you notice any problems.

At 5 feet 4 inches tall, tipping the scales at 255 pounds and still retaining the 50 pounds she put on during her most recent pregnancy, Mary MacBride has a BMI of 43.8, well above the level considered healthy for her height and weight. A veteran of multiple failed diet and exercise regimens, alone and in conjunction with pharmaceutical assistance, Mary eats not only when she is hungry, but when she is stressed, bored, excited, happy and, many times, just because food is in front of her.

Today at a checkup, Mary’s primary care provider finds no significant major organ or system abnormality except for longstanding hypothyroidism. Her hypothyroidism is being successfully treated with medication that does predispose Mary to weight gain. Worried that Mary may contract diabetes or coronary artery disease and given her previous failed attempts at losing weight, Mary’s physician mentions bariatric surgery. He and Mary discuss the pros and cons. They decide to schedule an appointment with a surgeon the next week. At that time, Mary and her husband will learn more about surgical options, which will probably include a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, a sleeve gastrectomy or a gastric bypass.

Notice how there is recognition that Mary eats for emotions reasons:

“…eats not only when she is hungry, but when she is stressed, bored, excited, happy and, many times, just because food is in front of her.”

 She has tried several diets with exercise, along with some medications, but nothing has worked.

What is the next recommendation from her doctor? Maybe hypotherapy … or maybe a technique to deal with the emotional issues … or maybe a nutritionist or naturopathic doctor to get her more assistance with her diet.

Nope …. Just surgery.

This is another example of the sad truth that doctors are no longer trained in the basics of health; they are only trained in the benefits of drugs and surgery.