I would also look into Health at Every Size (HAES—http://www.haescommunity.org/about.php). Keep the focus on the actual health of the patient, not on their size. For example, I have been told flat out by multiple doctors that they can tell just by looking at my 280 pounds that I'm diabetic. I'm not. Not even…

Actually, Temperance, this isn't all that unusual. Obesity is far more common among lower socioeconomic groups who eat what they can afford (little fresh produce, lots of high-fat ground beef, processed foods and LOTS of carbs). It's expensive to eat healthy, especially if you live somewhere where the cost of food…

So what if they can't lose weight (this is true in some cases)? Are they denied surgery? If so, why? I mean, if the only difference is a few more percentage points of risk, and the obese patient knows those risks going in, don't they have the right to necessary surgery (I assume that we're only talking about necessary…