Biting the Hands that Feed "the Alligators": A Case Study in Morbid Obesity Extremes, End-of-Life Care, and Prohibitions on Harming and Accelerating the End of Life

American Journal of Law & Medicine
Michael J Malinowski

Abstract

Obesity, recognized as a disease in the U.S. and at times as a terminal illness due to associated medical complications, is an American epidemic according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC"), American Heart Association ("AHA"), and other authorities. More than one third of Americans (39.8% of adults and 18.5% of children) are medically obese. This article focuses on cases of "extreme morbid obesity" ("EMO")-situations in which death is imminent without aggressive medical interventions, and bariatric surgery is the only treatment option with a realistic possibility of success. Bariatric surgeries themselves are very high risk for EMO patients. Individuals in this state have impeded mobility and are partially, if not entirely, bedridden, highly vulnerable, and dependent upon caregivers who often are enablers feeding their food addictions. The article draws from existing Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") and Social Security Administration ("SSA") policies and procedures for severe obesity treatment and disability benefits. The discussion also encompasses myriad areas in which the law imposes a duty to report on professionals to protect vulnerable individuals from harm from others, and constra...Continue Reading

References

Jul 6, 2010·Public Health Reports·Jennifer S LeeSara Rosenbaum
Nov 30, 2010·Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases : Official Journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery·Ayman B Al HarakehShanu N Kothari
Oct 24, 2012·F1000 Medicine Reports·James A Madura, John K Dibaise
Feb 14, 2013·Obesity·James A Greenberg
Aug 21, 2013·American Journal of Public Health·Ryan K MastersBruce G Link

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
gastric bypass
PCA
PCAs

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