Proposed changes to the Medical expenses rebate scheme: Budget 2012
Changes to the medical expenses rebate scheme have been announced by treasurer Wayne Swan in the 2012 Budget- it is proposed that the rebate shceme be means tests. Under the current arrangement this rebate, equivalent to 20 cents for every dollar in out-of-pocket costs over $2,000 is not means tested.
Bariatric surgery better than medication for the treatment of diabetes
An just-published American study has shown that bariatric (weightloss) surgery is far more likely to result in remission of type-2 diabetes than intensive medical therapy.
The Obesity Gene may be more common than first thought
The FTO gene, which stands for "fat mass and obesity-associated gene" may be more prevalent than first thought. Discovered in 2007, the FTO gene may be carried by up to 65% of Caucasians, and 44% of Asian people. Carrying this gene increases the risk of developing a serious weight problem by 12%. However it has been recently discovered that regular physical exercise can reduce the risk of a person who carries this gene will develop obesity by up to 30%.
Golfer John Daly's Gastric Band success
American Golf pro John Daly is once again in Sydney. John had Gastric Banding surgery 3 years ago in the United States to help him control his weight- at the time of his surgery he weighed in at 135kg and was facing a bleak health outlook. 3 years later his weight is stable at 94kg, a good weight for his tall frame, and John is living life to the max. His 19-year old daughter (17 at the time of her surgery) has also had the LapBand and has lost 60kgs.
Diet and exercise alone are just not enough
A recent article published in the Sydney Morning Herald looks at why diet and exercise just aren't enough by themselves to combat obesity. "Studies suggest obese adults who modified their diet and exercise lost less than five kilograms within two to seven years, while those who took who had surgery reported weight loss of 25-75 kilograms within two to four years of the (gastric banding) procedure".
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