About Severe (Morbid) Obesity

Severe (Morbid) Obesity 

UNDERSTANDING SEVERE (MORBID) OBESITY  

 
 

Morbid obesity is characterized by an individual weighing more than 40 kilograms (100 pounds) over their ideal body weight, or having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. Throughout this site, the term “morbidly obese” is used to define an individual weighing more than 40 kg over their ideal body weight. Mass media and the public sometimes refer to morbid obesity using the term “severely obese.” These two terms may be used interchangeably.

   

What Is The Difference Between Obesity And Morbid Obesity?  

Obesity is a serious health epidemic. About 30 million Indians are obese. Obesity is a disease characterized by excessive body fat or by having a BMI greater than 30. Morbid obesity is characterized by an individual having a BMI greater than 40. In addition, it also includes people with a BMI of more than 35 and associated weight related co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and many more.  

   

 

What Are The Risks Associated With Morbid Obesity?

   

 

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)

Liver disease

Venous disease

Acid reflux

Menstrual irregularities and infertility

Those who are affected by morbid obesity are encouraged to talk with their physician concerning the co-morbidities listed. The earlier these are detected, the better advantage a patient may have to keep them under control with the assistance of a physician.  

Causes of Morbid Obesity : 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. 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. 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.

What Are The Social Effects Of Morbid Obesity?  

Individuals affected by morbid obesity often face obstacles far beyond health risks. Emotional suffering may be one of the most painful parts of morbid obesity. Society often emphasizes the importance of physical appearance. As a result, people who are morbidly obese often face prejudice or discrimination.  

Effects at Work : Due to the negative stigma associated with morbid obesity, morbidly obese employees are often viewed as less competent, lazy and lacking in self-discipline by their co-workers and employers. Often times, discriminatory attitudes can negatively impact wages, promotions and employment status for obese employees.  

In Healthcare Settings : Negative attitudes about morbidly obese patients also exist in the healthcare setting. Morbidly obese patients that are often reluctant to seek medical care may be more likely to delay important preventative healthcare services and may more frequently cancel medical appointments. Delaying medical attention can lead to delayed discovery or treatment of co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while becoming more physically damaging. The consequences of discrimination against the morbidly obese can seriously impact an individual’s quality of life and only further intensify the negative stigma associated with obesity.  

Treating Morbid Obesity : (*Note: Please consult with your physician before beginning any treatment program.) 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.  

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. Often, these programs incorporate total meal replacement programs.  

Medications (Pharmacotherapy) : Currently there are few medications that are approved for weight-loss: sibutamine, orlistat, and Noradrenergics products. All are to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet, exercise and behavior modification. As with all therapies, medically managed weight-loss needs to be approached with a focused treatment plan, which includes a team of healthcare providers. The team should include dietitians, psychologists and exercise specialists, in addition to the medical providers to provide care at all stages of the weight-loss treatment process.  

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 hypertension, you may consider bariatric surgery (also called weight-loss surgery). It is important to speak with your surgeon 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

Gastric Sleeve Resection

When considering weight-loss surgery, you must balance the personal risk of being morbidly obese with the potential risk of the surgery. This treatment option is a tool that you will continually use to lose weight. Surgery is a resource to help you reduce your weight. Behavioral, physical and psychological changes are required for you to maintain a healthy quality of life. Continued positive weight-loss relies upon your desire and dedication to change your lifestyle with a proactive approach. Additional Treatment Options, In addition to weight-loss surgery and medically managed weight-loss, the following therapies are also utilized to treat morbid obesity.  

Behavior Modification : Behavior plays a significant role in morbid obesity. Modifying behaviors that have contributed to developing obesity is one way to treat the disease either alone or in conjunction with other treatments. A few suggested behavior modifiers include: changing eating habits, increasing physical activity, becoming educated about the body and how to nourish it appropriately, engaging in a support group or extracurricular activity and setting realistic weight management goals.  

Physical Activity : Increasing or initiating a physical activity program is an important aspect in managing morbid obesity. Routine physical activity can greatly impact your health. Set realistic goals and make sure to consult with your physician before initiating any exercise program.