Morbid Obesity

According to recent statistics, over fifty percent of Americans are obese, with approximately ten million adult Americans considered morbidly obese. Individuals are medically diagnosed as morbidly obese when their body weight is 100 pounds or more above their ideal weight, or their body mass index (BMI) is above 40. Due to the added stress that this excess weight places on the body, those who are morbidly obese are at high risk for numerous medical complications that can shorten life span and decrease quality of life.

Morbid obesity is considered a chronic metabolic disease that is only alleviated through changes in diet, exercise and behavior. Oftentimes, due to long established eating patterns and difficulties with mobility, these changes are extremely difficult for most individuals to make. In these cases, the obesity health risks associated with the excess weight are so overwhelming that they are usually greater than the risks of undergoing surgery to reduce weight.

Through the surgical weight loss options like the gastric bypass or adjustable gastric banding these lifestyle changes can be more easily achieved. After bariatric surgery and resultant weight loss, patients experience a proven reduction in medical problems. In some cases, these health complications may be eliminated entirely if ideal body weight is maintained.

Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

  • Between 20-25: People in this BMI range are considered to be of “ideal weight” and tend to have the best lifelong health. A BMI over 25 is considered to be obese.
  • Greater than 30: At this BMI, the excess body weight can begin to compromise health.
  • Between 35-40: If you are in this BMI range and experiencing medical problems as a result of the extra weight, weight loss surgery is recommended, as it is likely to improve health.
  • Greater than 40:Weight loss surgery is highly recommended. At this level of obesity, the risk of severe health problems is very high and the presence of multiple health complications is common. Because weight loss surgery can dramatically decrease the risk and severity of weight-related health problems, its benefits greatly outweigh the possible risks.
  • Greater than 60: Large amounts of excess weight place extreme stress on the body, causing a significant increase in surgery-related risks. However, at this BMI, the risk of severe to fatal health problems is much higher, making weight loss surgery the best option.

More Obesity Articles