Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

An enema using a white, chalky solution containing barium, in preparation for series of X-ray images of the lower intestine (colon). The barium outlines the colon on the X-ray image.

1. A metallic element belonging to the alkaline earths with an atomic number of 56 and an atomic weight of 137.34. The symbol for barium is Ba.2. In medicine, refers to a chalky solution of barium used to coat the inside of organs, such as the stomach or intestines so that they will show up on an x-ray. An…

The field of medicine that offers treatment for the person who is overweight with a comprehensive program including diet and nutrition, exercise, behavior modification, lifestyle changes and, when indicated, the prescription of appetite suppressants and other appropriate medications. Bariatrics also includes research into overweight, its causes, prevention, and treatment. The word bariatrics was derived in the 20th century from the Greek baros (weight) +…

A physician practicing bariatrics, the field of medicine concerned with weight loss. Also called a bariatric physician. The terms are used interchangeably. The American Society of Bariatric Physicians states that: “These guidelines provide suggestions for the work-up and follow-up of the bariatric patient. They are not intended to replace, and indeed cannot replace, the bariatrician’s judgment…

Surgery on the stomach and/or intestines to help a person with extreme obesity lose weight. Bariatric surgery is an option for people who have a body mass index (BMI) above 40. Surgery is also an option for people with a body mass index between 35 and 40 who have health problems like type 2 diabetes or heart disease. There are two basic…

A physician practicing bariatrics, the field of medicine concerned with weight loss. Also called a bariatrician. The terms are used interchangeably. The American Society of Bariatric Physicians states that: “These guidelines provide suggestions for the work-up and follow-up of the bariatric patient. They are not intended to replace, and indeed cannot replace, the bariatrician’s judgment regarding…

Pertaining to the study, prevention, or treatment of overweight.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by mutations in one of several genes known as BBS genes that are known or suspected to play critical roles in cell structures called cilia. Cilia are microscopic projections from the surface of many types of cells that are involved with movement and cell signaling pathways. Symptoms of…

Barber Say syndrome is a very rare syndrome characterized by excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis), papery thin and fragile (atrophic) skin, outward turned eyelids (ectropion), and a large mouth (macrostomia). The exact inheritance pattern of this syndrome is not fully understood. Some cases have been linked to mutation in a gene known as TWIST2. Reports have described…

A superficial fungal infection of the skin in the bearded area of the face and neck, with swellings and marked crusting, often with itching, sometimes causing the hair to break off. The name harks back to the days when men went to the barber daily for a shave. Also known as tinea barbae. (Tinea = ringworm).