Frederic

While I agree with your second point I would point out that the difference between overweight and morbid obesity is a large enough step (unlike "obesity") they're difference in data would preclude them from statistical anomalies based on gender and genetic profile. I agree BMI is overused but it's not worthless when comparing norms to extremes. I would agree with your first point as well except I increasingly see people posting about considering WLS with BMIs of 35 or below. These people would fall into the statistical grey area you point out and since a quick search of "BMI chart" on the internet often brings up charts that don't even include "morbid obesity" I thought it was worth pointing out.

I don't believe that's true. Many people are obese their entire life without becoming morbidly obese. Just like there are people who are overweight who never become obese. Over generalizing the details of the Obesity epidemic contributes to the social misconception of lumping people who just need to exercise in with people who have actual metabolic disorders. If we imply that WLS will help anyone who needs to lose weight we just open up the entire community to criticism for every failure as well as criticism for every person who manages to lose weight without WLS. I really believe that the best thing for the WLS community; is for members to always try and speak as honestly and specifically about how and why WLS surgery works whenever possible.

My only criticism of this essay is that it doesn't delineate morbid obesity from obesity. Personally i think that is an important distinction when it comes to WLS.