Technological Fix

A technological fix is defined as a technology that can fix a problem or at least the major negative effects of that problem. In the case of obesity, gastric bypass surgery is a good example of a technological fix. Since social engineering can only help the problem to an extent, gastric bypass is a procedure that allows an obese person to regain their life, and their health back. This involved opening up the stomach and literally making the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the intestines. This is used as a way to help an individual lose weight. Since the stomach is smaller, the person will feel fuller sooner which allows the person to intake fewer calories and ultimately lose weight. Although this is a viable option for people with a BMI of 40 or higher, it does come with a decent amount of risks. 3 out of 200 people die from this weight loss procedure, but if the surgery is a success the positive aspects certainly outweigh the negative ones. Other methods include surgical procedures include liposuction. Although this procedure won't necessarily fix the problem it's sometimes a way for people to lose weight in a fast and efficient way. Gastric bypass surgery has the ability to change the overall lifestyle of an obese person rather than just act as a quick fix. Other fix's include diet pills. I don't necessarily believe these work, but an enormous industry has emerged as a result of the obesity epidemic. Everyone is looking for the next way to lose weight quickly, and diet pills are up in that category. Years ago there used to be a product in diet pills called ephedra which helped increase weight loss, but withint the last few years it was outlawed due to health complications. Ultimately, however, people must learn to take responsibility for themselves and parents must actively involve their children in healthy lifestyles that they can emulate for when they become adults. Technological fix's can be great, but people need to motivate themselves to want to be healthy. Pressure from the government also needs to happen in order to demand healthier lifestyles and they must implement laws that limit the exploitation of consumers from businesses and advertisers. By working together and confronting the situation head on, America has a shot at reversing the way we live.