178 OBESITY 



steam baths, exercise amounting to 25,000 steps daily, and hydrotherapeutic 

 measures. It is true that Kisch has proven it to be possible by this method 

 to become lean. But, a priori, can one doubt that in such a treatment (the 

 patient lost on the first day one kilogram and 25 grams) muscle as well as 

 fat is lost? The loss in weight by this treatment is not always so great as 

 that which Kisch attained at Marienbad in four weeks. It varies between 

 3 and 13.2 per cent, of the patient's weight; on the average it amounts to 6.7 

 per cent., which, in my opinion, is more than is desirable in the rational treat- 

 ment of obesity. It should therefore be avoided. 



In conclusion, I must mention the dangers which confront all who use 

 acids, particularly vinegar, a practice which, unfortunately, we find very com- 

 mon in young girls who, from vanity and a desire to remain slender, risk their 

 health and even their lives. 



