Morbid Obesity

Definition:
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.

What is the difference between obesity and morbid obesity?
Obesity is a disease characterized by excessive body fat or by having a BMI greater than 30. Obesity increases the likelihood of certain diseases and other related health problems. Morbid obesity is characterized by an individual having a BMI greater than 40. In addition, it also has a much higher correlation than obesity with co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and many more.

What are the risks associated with morbid obesity?
The most prevalent morbid obesity-related diseases include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Gallbladder disease
High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease Stroke
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Venous disease
  • Liver disease
  • Acid reflux
  • Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
  • Some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon)
  • Menstrual irregularities and infertility
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    What is Causes of Morbid Obesity?
    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.

    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    Walking has been replaced by driving cars, physical activity has been replaced by technology and nutrition has been overcome by convenience foods.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.

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

    Medications (Pharmacotherapy)
    Currently there are three medications that are FDA approved for weight-loss: sibutamine, orlistatand Noradrenergics products. All are to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet, exercise and behavior modification. In addi-tion, there are several weight-loss medications awaiting FDA approval.

    Bariatric Surgery (Weight-loss 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 hyperten-sion, you may consider bariatric surgery (also called weight-loss surgery). After weight-loss surgery, individuals must still modify their lifestyle habits, adjust their diet and increase their physical activity. It is important to speak with your physician to determine if surgery is right for you.

    Today, the three most commonly selected procedures for weight-loss surgery are:

    • Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
    • Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
    • Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch