The ASBS Foundation Walk from Obesity is a two mile, non-competitive event. It is a fundraiser devoted to helping reduce disability, death and discrimination of people who are obese by educating the public and health care professionals about effective treatments.

Staff from UI Obesity Surgery and UI Weight Management will participate in the walk. Joe Dillon, MD, UI Weight Management, said, "Events like this highlight the problem of obesity in society and also showcase some of the lifestyle changes that we try to help our patients achieve in order to lose weight."

Mohammad Jamal, MD, UI Obesity Surgery, added, "Obesity surgery provides one with the most effective tool for weight loss and is the only known cure for morbid obesity."

Both Dillon and Jamal will speak briefly after the walk.

Patients who receive weight loss treatment at UI Hospitals and Clinics say the experience changes, and even saves, their lives.

"What I really like about UI Hospitals and Clinics is that they treat the whole person," said Bonnie Tozer. "They really care about you, and it shows." Tozer lost 97 pounds following bariatric surgery in 2003. "I tell everyone about the program at The University of Iowa. I spent six weeks with the Red Cross helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and I never could have done that before the surgery," she added.

On-site registrations for Walk from Obesity 2006 will begin at 8 a.m. in Centennial Park located at 1225 Warrior Lane, Waukee, followed by a warm-up session at 8:30 and welcoming remarks at 8:45. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. Health care specialists will address the participants from 10-11 a.m. and the event will conclude with the announcement of the winners of the raffle at 11:30 a.m.

This is the only Walk from Obesity event in Iowa. Participants can also register online.

For more information:

UI Weight Loss Services

Joe Dillon, MD

Walk from Obesity