2010-05-29T20:33:55Z urn:uuid:60a76c80-d399-11d9-b93C-0003939e0af6 CoalEngine CoalSpeak urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-29T20:33:55Z

Searching for Answers: Tracking Obesity Awareness through Google By: Ron Sansone Category: Weight Loss Surgery Download Article with Graphics Printer Friendly Obesity isn’t a vanity issue; it’s a health issue. Though looking good is never as important as feeling good, obesity is often dismissed as an aesthetic shortcoming. Excess body fat can have adverse effects on general health, but can we really see the problem staring back at us through the mirror? Tracking awareness of obesity has traditionally been a challenge, but our understanding of obesity awareness is advancing due to new innovations in search engine monitoring. Thanks to search engine data collection, we now have a more complete picture of obesity awareness across the United States. This enables us to determine personal views on obesity by state. Rising obesity rates are cause for concern as they’re frequently linked to heart disease and other health problems(1). Obesity contributes to cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis, type-2 diabetes and certain types of cancer(2). While the link between obesity and these conditions is commonly known, people may not be making the connection on a personal level. WEIGHT BY STATE Even with all the light, diet, low fat and low carb options now available, the past 30 years have seen a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 1980, the national average of obese adults was 15 percent. Today, that average exceeds 33 percent(3). A 2009 study conducted by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that 31 states possess adult obesity rates over 25 percent. Mississippi leads the pack, weighing in at 32.5 percent. And Alabama, West Virginia and Tennessee are not far behind. Colorado, in contrast, is the only state with an obesity rate below 20 percent(4). It’s clear that there are states in which obesity is a concern. But are residents of these states aware of, or interested in, the problem of obesity? Google Insights for Search(5) can provide answers. Developed by Google Labs, this analysis tool compares user searching patterns across specific regions, categories and time periods. By analyzing user search habits, we can identify how aware of or interested in obesity-related issues people are by state. Cross-referenced by actual statewide obesity rates, this awareness data can paint a picture of regional obesity perceptions. According to Google Insights for Search, West Virginia (the third most obese state) showed the most interest in the search term obesity. Iowa and Kentucky demonstrated the next highest topical interest levels. While West Virginia and Kentucky have high obesity rates, they also display strong interest and awareness of the issue. Indiana, South Dakota, Michigan, Idaho, North Dakota, Mississippi and Delaware round out the top ten states interested in obesity based on Google Insights for Search data. Exploring deeper topical search terms produces a similar list of states with interest in obesity –one that differs from the top ten most obese states. Other related search phases such as overweight, weight loss and weight loss treatment were examined. Analysis of these keyword terms uncovers additional keywords with rising search interest, including childhood obesity, childhood obesity statistics and obesity rates. Increased interest in childhood obesity suggests a public desire to educate the youth on weight issues. Based on this finding, preventive actions such as diet and exercise may be a vital message to convey to parents to help them raise healthy children. For individuals past preventive maintenance but receptive to corrective action, searches on weight loss treatments should be common, especially in the top ten states displaying obesity interest. The results were contrary to assumptions, however, suggesting low awareness of treatment options despite high awareness of obesity problems. A lack of “treatment” searches could be a matter of perception. Users may not consider solutions for weight loss to be “treatments” but rather lump them together as “surgeries.” Solutions such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding are minimally invasive treatment options(6), and such procedures may need to be distinguished from more drastic bariatric surgery to promote awareness. OBESITY AND WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENT AWARENESS As shown through the Google Insights for Search data, many states with high obesity rates do, in fact, display high awareness of weight-related issues. Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio are among the top ten most obese states, and all are active in searching for obesity-related terms. While this indicates a positive trend in awareness among those with obesity issues, there are still high-obesity rate states lacking awareness of the statewide problem. And still others lack awareness of weight loss surgery treatment options. These states may not be receiving such critical information in manner that speaks to their concerns. Along with the risks of obesity, tools for prevention and knowledge of available treatment options must be communicated at the regional level. Bariatric centers and treatment providers would do well to geo-target their messages to appropriate regions through advertising and educational campaigns. Though solutions to the problem exist, awareness of them is not as high as awareness of the issue itself. Until the right guidance is successfully conveyed to, or found by, the appropriate audience, obesity rates will continue to grow. “U.S. Obesity Trends: Trends by State 1985–2008.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html “Obesity.” Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity “How Obesity Policies are Failing in America.” Trust for America’s Health. http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2009/ “Obesity Rates Continue to Climb in U.S.” US News. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/diabetes/articles/2009/07/01/obesity-rates-continue-to-climb-in-us.html “Google Insights for Search.” Google Labs. http://www.google.com/insights/search/# “Weight Loss Surgery Options.” http://www.realize.com/dtcf/pages/weight-loss-surgery-options.htm Download Article with Graphics Printer Friendly

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-19T20:50:14Z

Understanding Sarah Ferguson By: Liam Burns Category: WLS Lifestyles Spring 2010 Cover Story BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, shares her inspiring journey to reinvention and healing. Having triumphed over divorce and near-bankruptcy in her quest for better health and happiness, she shares important lessons for long-term success. Read this inspiring story about how this mother, advocate, businesswoman, philanthropist and best-selling author has achieved peace through a better understanding of herself.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-19T20:37:44Z

Getting a Grip on Your Life By: Lee Kern, MSW, LCSW Category: WLS Lifestyles Spring 2010 Feature Articles BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: A five-step life goals exercise to help you manage your time and feel more in control.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-19T20:30:09Z

What to do About Comfort Eating By: Melissa McCreery, Ph.D., ACC Category: Weight Management BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Don’t let it sabotage your weight loss plan. Craft alternative comfort strategies to help you be effective with your healthy lifestyle choices.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-19T20:05:21Z

The Value of Physical Activity in Fighting Chronic Health Conditions By: Tom Abshire Category: Obesity Related BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes
 see how the workplace plays a critical role in helping employees become more physically active and foster a healthy mindset.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-19T19:51:32Z

Quantum Weight Loss By: Dr. Russ L’HommeDieu, DPT Category: WLS Lifestyles Spring 2010 Feature Articles BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Change your thoughts about perceived failures of the past by controlling your attitudes in the present.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-19T19:15:17Z

Ending the Fear and Guilt Associated with Being Overweight By: Joseph Colella, MD Category: WLS Lifestyles Spring 2010 Feature Articles BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: There is hope! There is a solution. The impossible dream of successful and sustained weight loss can be achieved.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-19T17:08:32Z

For Women: Menopause Can Be GOOD for Your Health By: Tara Allmen, MD Category: WLS Lifestyles Spring 2010 In Each Issue BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Yes, it’s true. Menopause, with all its difficult symptoms,can be GOOD for your health. Let me explain.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-19T16:55:41Z

Partnering with Your Adjustable Gastric Band By: Lori Sperling Nevins, MSW, LCSW Category: WLS Lifestyles Spring 2010 Feature Articles BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Solutions to common challenges and support resources that can help keep you moving in a positive direction.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-05-19T16:27:06Z

Healthy Eating Habits For Kids By: Rachel Lerner, CNC, FNC Category: WLS Lifestyles Spring 2010 Healthy Living BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Is your home filled with healthy foods? Follow these basic guidelines and take control of the meals & snacks you serve in your home.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)