Virtually every disease studied shows an increased incidence in the obese. Yet weight loss is given only casual attention by our health care system. Far more attention is focused on drugs and procedures such as colonoscopy which are revenue-generating for the health care system. In contrast, taking time to talk and counsel patients about weight loss does not generate revenue. Colo-rectal cancer is a deadly disease. More attention to weight loss by health providers would save lives – but unfortunately, it is unlikely to happen anytime soon.