Obesity and Morbid Obesity

The causes of obesity are numerous, and the reasons are often far more complex than simply overeating or poor dietary choices. Research has demonstrated that genetics, more than any other determining factor, is the most common underlying cause of obesity. Studies have revealed that once the problem is established, dietary and exercise programs have minimal impact on long-term weight-loss solutions.

Obesity

Obesity is the result of excessive fat accumulation that overwhelms the body’s skeletal and physiologic standards. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your “ideal body weight” is the low threshold for obesity and the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk. More than 97 million Americans suffer from being overweight or obese, with the numbers steadily increasing every day.

Morbid Obesity

Morbid obesity, also known as clinically severe obesity, occurs when a person’s weight reaches the point of significantly increasing the risk of one or more obesity-related health conditions or diseases. These conditions and diseases can result in severe physical disability or even death. Typically, morbid obesity is defined as being 100 lbs. or more over “ideal body weight” or possessing a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. Individuals with a BMI between 35 and 40 may also qualify for surgery if severe obesity-related health conditions exist.

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI CATEGORIES

BMI of 20-25: These individuals fall within their normal body weight. People who fit into this range tend to have the best overall health.

BMI of 25-30: These individuals are considered overweight.

BMI of 30-35: Excess weight causes a definite increase in health problems.

BMI 35-40: Weight loss surgery will greatly improve the health of those experiencing medical problems related to obesity.

BMI greater than 40: While the excess weight raises surgical risk, the benefits of weight loss surgery far outweigh the risks of remaining obese for most people.

Obesity - Are you at Risk?

People who are obese suffer higher rates of medical problems ranging from the simple to the severe. Often, the problems are multiple and complex. There is a clear and indisputable connection between morbid obesity and a shorter life expectancy. For individuals whose weight is more than double their ideal body weight, the risk of premature death is doubled compared to those with an ideal body weight. The risk of death from diabetes or heart attack is five to seven times greater.

In addition to physical problems, there are other severe consequences to obesity. Socially, psychologically and financially, obesity can have a wide-ranging impact on lifestyle. However unfair as it may be, they are as real and as devastating as the physical aspects.

What is an Obesity Related Health Condition?

Obesity-related health conditions occur alone or in combination and greatly reduce an individual’s life expectancy. An abbreviated list of the more common conditions follows. Your doctor will provide you with more complete and detailed information.

Type 2 Diabetes: Obese individuals develop a resistance to insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. The resulting high blood sugar can damage multiple body systems.

High Blood Pressure/Heart Disease: Excess body weight strains the ability of the heart to circulate blood. Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs as a result of this and can potentially cause stroke and inflict heart and kidney damage.

Osteoarthritis of Weight Bearing Joints: The additional weight placed upon joints, notably knees and hips, increases wear and tear and pain from the resulting inflammation. The bones and muscles of the back are adversely affected, as well, by the strain of the extra weight. Disc problems, discomfort and decreased mobility are common.

Sleep Apnea/Respiratory Problems: Fat deposits in the tongue and neck can lead to intermittent obstruction of air passages. Because the obstruction is exacerbated by sleeping on one’s back, individuals frequently wake up to reposition themselves. These episodes can occur hundreds of times each night. The resulting lack of sleep triggers headaches and chronic drowsiness.

Gastroesophageal Reflux/Heartburn: When stomach acid is released into the esophagus through a weak or overloaded stomach valve, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux occurs, with heartburn and acid indigestion being common symptoms. Ten to 15 percent of those with mild symptoms of heartburn will develop Barrett’s Esophagus, a pre-malignant change in the esophagus’ lining, which can eventually result in esophageal cancer.

Gallbladder: Gallbladder disease occurs more frequently in the obese, due in large part to repeated efforts at dieting. Stones forming within the gallbladder cause abdominal pain and/or jaundice, resulting in the removal of the gallbladder.

Depression: Seriously overweight people often deal with unrelenting challenges to their emotions. Repeated dieting failures, social stigma and the simple everyday reminders of their condition further add to the years of physical suffering many obese people have already endured.

Infertility: Infertility or the diminished ability to reproduce may occur in both sexes when they are obese.

Skin Breakdown: Skin hygiene can be a chronic problem with obese individuals as the layers of skin rub against each other, leading to irritations, sores and infection.

Swollen Legs/Skin Ulcers: Leg swelling is common and can potentially be caused by blood clots. When untreated, skin breakdown may occur forming wounds that are extremely difficult to treat.

Urinary Incontinence: The weight of a large abdomen and the relaxation of the pelvic bones (commonly associated with childbirth) may result in the weakening of the urinary bladder’s valve. Simple coughing, laughing or sneezing can trigger urine leaks.

Menstrual Irregularities: Morbidly obese women commonly experience disruptions in their menstrual cycle, including the interruption of their cycle, abnormal menstrual flow and increased pain associated with the cycle.

Lower Extremity Venous Stasis: Heart and kidney disease induced by excessive weight may also result in venous stasis, a condition that affects the proper functioning of leg veins. Swelling of the legs and ankles commonly occurs with this condition.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH): This condition, also known as Pseudotumor Cerebri, involves elevated levels of cerebrospinal fluid pressure. If left untreated, the increased pressure can cause decreased vision and even blindness.

Dyslipidemia (Lipid Metabolism Abnormalities): Dyslipidemia refers to a disorder of fat-like substances in the blood. A common form of this is ordinary “high cholesterol.” The condition, however, refers to any health problem resulting from too few or too many of certain lipids. When these lipids begin to adhere to artery walls, the walls begin to thicken and harden. Some arteries actually become clogged, necessitating major surgery.

Pulmonary Embolus: A pulmonary embolus is caused by a clot in the veins. Most are caused from clots originating in the lower extremities (known as deep vein thrombosis). Because overweight individuals are predisposed to circulatory problems, the odds of them experiencing a pulmonary embolus are greatly increased.

Pancreatitis: This disease results in the pancreas becoming inflamed. Severe damage to the gland occurs when digestive enzymes begin attacking the pancreas.