Why Do We Still Think Weight Loss Surgery Is 'Cheating'?

Every year, tens of thousands of Aussies undergo weight loss surgery in a bid to finally regain control of their health, a process that comes at great personal and economic cost, yet the procedure is still regularly treated with disdain by others.

So why is bariatric surgery to help people who can't lose weight any other way seen by some as 'cheating', even when diet and exercise have failed to help them?

The Quicky speaks to an expert bariatric surgeon, a GP and a woman who has had the operation to dispel the myths and judgement, and find out what is really involved in having weight loss surgery.

CREDITS

Host: Claire Murphy

With thanks to:

Jean Liddy - High school teacher in Queensland who underwent weight loss surgery in 2017

Dr John Jorgensen - Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) surgeon, and Director of Bariatric Surgical Services at St George Private Hospital, Australia’s highest volume bariatric hospital

Dr Brad McKay - Science communicator, TV host, podcaster, GP and author of Fake Medicine: Exposing the wellness crazes, cons and quacks costing us our health

Producer: Claire Murphy

Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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