Morbid obesity brings with it
an increased risk for a shorter
life expectancy. For individuals
whose weight exceeds twice their
ideal body weight (that's about
2-6% of the U.S. population),
the risk of an early death is
doubled compared to non-obese
individuals. The risk of death
from diabetes or heart attack
is five to seven times greater.
Even beyond the issue of obesity-related
health conditions, weight gain
alone can lead to a condition
known as "end-stage"
obesity where, for the most part,
no treatment options are available.
Yet an early death is not the
only potential consequence. Social,
psychological and economic effects
of morbid obesity, however unfair,
are real and can be especially
devastating.
Obesity becomes "morbid"
when it reaches the point of significantly
increasing the risk of one or
more obesity-related health conditions
or serious diseases (also known
as co-morbidities) that result
either in significant physical
disability or even death. As you
read about morbid obesity you
may also see the term "clinically
severe obesity" used. Both
are descriptions of the same condition
and can be used interchangeably.
Morbid obesity is typically defined
as being 100 lbs. or more over
ideal body weight or having a
Body Mass Index of 40 or higher.
According to the National Institutes
of Health Consensus Report, morbid
obesity is a serious disease and
must be treated as such. It is
a chronic disease, meaning that
its symptoms build slowly over
an extended period of time.
The reasons for obesity are multiple
and complex. Despite conventional
wisdom, it is not simply a result
of overeating. Research has shown
that, in many cases, a significant
underlying cause of morbid obesity
is genetic. Studies have demonstrated
that once the problem is established,
efforts such as dieting and exercise
program have a limited ability
to provide effective long-term
relief.
While a healthier
diet and exercise can result in
weight loss, the real challenge
is keeping the weight off. Unfortunately,
studies show a nearly 100 percent
failure rate during a five-year
period for obese persons who diet
for weight control. Even worse,
a continuous cycle of weight loss
and gain (yo-yo dieting) can cause
serious health risks. If you’ve
tried diet and exercise, but remain
seriously obese, weight loss (bariatric)
surgery may be the best way to
regain your health.
Answering this question may give
you the courage you need to take
the first step. Below are tools
you can use to determine if you
are morbidly obese and potentially
a candidate for weight loss surgery.
There are several medically accepted
criteria for defining morbid obesity.
You are likely morbidly obese
if you are: