Though Shani Gofman had been teased for being fat since the fourth grade, she had learned to deal with it. She was a B student and in the drama club at school. She had good friends and a boyfriend she had met through Facebook. She even showed off her curves in spandex leggings and snug shirts.

When her pediatrician, Dr. Senya Vayner, first mentioned weight-loss surgery, Ms. Gofman was 17, still living with her parents in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, her bedroom decorated with glow-in-the-dark stars because she was afraid of the dark.

There was no question, at 5-foot-1 and more than 250 pounds, she was overweight. But she resisted, saying she could diet.

“I’ll lose weight,” Ms. Gofman assured her doctor.

Dr. Vayner said, prophetically, “It’s not your fault, but you’re not going to be able to do it.”

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We’re thrilled to announce the 2012 grantees of the TFI Documentary Fund! We’ve selected ten filmmakers from 630 submissions to receive a total of $150,000 in grants toward their character-driven documentary projects.

This year’s films are in various stages of development through post-production, and cover topics as wide-ranging as Richard Nixon’s presidency, love and marriage, a Kim Jong-il-ordered abduction and a family-owned strip club.

As part of TFI’s year-round commitment to filmmakers, all of our grantees will receive guidance and consultation on the films’ production, from topics like festival and distribution planning to industry matchmaking.

see descriptions of winners

One thing is clear, he said: “A vast effort to persuade the public to change its habits just hasn’t prevented or cured obesity.”

“We need more knowledge,” Dr. Hirsch said. “Condemning the public for their uncontrollable hedonism and the food industry for its inequities just doesn’t seem to be turning the tide.”

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THE Danish government’s now infamous “fat tax” has caused an international uproar, applauded by public health advocates on the one hand and dismissed on the other as nanny-state social engineering gone berserk.

I see it as one country’s attempt to stave off rising obesity rates, and its associated medical conditions, when other options seem less feasible. But the policies appear confusing. Why Denmark of all places? Why particular foods? Will such taxes really change eating behaviour? And aren’t there better ways to halt or reverse rising rates of diet-related chronic disease?

Before getting to these questions, let’s look at what Denmark has done. In 2009, its government announced a major tax overhaul aimed at cushioning the shock of the global economic crisis, promoting renewable energy, protecting the environment, discouraging climate change, and improving health – all while maintaining revenues, of course.

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In December it was reported that several people died after responding to ads posted around Southern California for 1-800-GET-THIN, which connects potential patients to several medical centers. The clinics fall into a “regulatory no man’s land,” and at the time several government agencies said they didn’t have the authority to investigate. Now another woman who had Lap-Band surgery at one of the facilities is dead.

The L.A. Times has been covering the practices of brothers Julian and Michael Omidi for some time, and the doctors have unsuccessfully sued the paper on several occasions. Previously it was reported that Julian’s medical license was revoked several years ago, and Michael is on three years’ probation. Since 2009, five people have died at clinics operated by the Omidis shortly after receiving Lap-Band surgery. A series of wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits have been filed against the brothers and other doctors affiliated with their 1-800-GET-THIN ad campaign.

The latest to die was 55-year-old Paula Rojeski of Ladera Ranch. Her cause of death has yet to be determined, but she passed away on September 8, shortly after receiving surgery at an outpatient facility affiliated with 1-800-GET-THIN. Even Allergan, which manufactures Lap-Bands has criticized the clinics for downplaying risks associated with the prodecure. It’s intended for those who are severely overweight, but it doesn’t seem that Rojeski was a good candidate for the surgery. She was 5 foot 5, and friends believe she weighed about 180 pounds. “I was a supportive friend, but I didn’t think she needed it,” said her friend, Marni Rader. “I don’t understand why it would be worth the risk for 20 or 30 pounds.”

A lawyer representing the Omidi brothers issued this statement:

“Any loss of life is tragic and our hearts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones. The surgery center you are discussing is fully accredited by a prestigious organization. It is my understanding that the center is conducting a full investigation of the events that transpired. Any reporting on this matter is premature.”

It sounds more like the Times reporters should be commended, and an investigation by the Medical Board of California is long overdue.

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