Morbid Obesity

It is estimated that more than eight million Americans are morbidly obese. Morbid obesity is characterized by an individual weighing more than 100 pounds over their ideal body weight, or having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.

Morbid obesity is most commonly calculated using body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by his or her height in square meters. Patients with a BMI of 40 or higher are classified as morbidly obese. To calculate your BMI, click here.

BMI is not used to determine a person’s actual percentage of body fat, but it is a good indicator to categorize weight in terms of what is healthy and unhealthy.

Many co-morbidities accompany morbid obesity. Once a patient is considered morbidly obese, these conditions become serious health risks. These co-morbidities also negatively impact the quality of life for a patient and their family members affected by morbid obesity.

The most prevalent morbid obesity-related diseases include:

• High Blood Pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Gallbladder disease

• Osteoarthritis

• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

• Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

For a complete description on each of the above co-morbid conditions, please click here.

Morbid obesity is simply not a result of overeating. It is a serious disease that needs to be prevented and treated. The causes of morbid obesity are widespread, but target three main contributors: behavior, environment and genetics.

Behavior

In today’s fast-paced environment, it is easy to adopt unhealthy behaviors. Behavior, in the case of morbid obesity, relates to food choices, amount of physical activity you get and the effort to maintain your health.

Americans are consuming more calories on average than in past decades. The increase in caloric intake has also decreased the nutrients consumed that are needed for a healthy diet. This behavioral problem also relates to the increase in portion sizes at home and when dining out.

While Americans are consuming more calories, they are not expending them with enough physical activity. Physical activity is an important element in modifying and shaping behaviors. The influence of television, computers and other technologies discourage physical activity and add to the problem of obesity in our society.

Environment

Environment plays a key role in shaping an individual’s habits and lifestyle. There are many environmental influences that can impact your health decisions. Today’s society has developed a more sedentary lifestyle. Walking has been replaced by driving cars, physical activity has been replaced by technology and nutrition has been overcome by convenience foods.

Genetics

Science shows that genetics play a role in obesity and morbid obesity. Genes can cause certain disorders which result in obesity. However, not all individuals who are predisposed to obesity become morbidly obese. Research is currently underway to determine which genes contribute most to morbid obesity.

Because the health risks associated with morbid obesity are life-threatening, clinical programs, such as medically managed weight-loss and gastrointestinal surgery, are available for treatment.

Medically Managed Weight-Loss

Medically managed weight-loss programs provide treatment in a clinical setting with a licensed healthcare professional, such as a medical doctor, nurse, registered dietitian and/or psychologists. These programs typically offer services such as nutrition education, physical activity and behavioral therapy.

Gastrointestinal Surgery

If your BMI is more than 40, or your BMI is more than 35 and you have a weight-related co-morbidity, such as diabetes or hypertension, you may consider gastrointestinal surgery (also called bariatric surgery). It is important to speak with your physician to determine if gastrointestinal surgery is right for you. To learn more about gastrointestinal surgery (bariatric surgery), click here.

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