What is morbid obesity?
Morbid obesity is a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, which is roughly equal to 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight. The disease of morbid obesity often interferes with basic physical functions such as breathing or walking. Long-term effects of the disease include shorter life expectancy, serious health consequences in the form of weight-related health problems (co-morbid conditions) such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and a lower quality of life with fewer economic and social opportunities.
A person is classified as morbidly obese when their Body Mass (BMI) is greater than 40, or they are more than 100 pounds over their ideal body weight. Additionally, individuals who have a BMI of 35 or greater with an existing co-morbidity (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, etc.) are also classified as morbidly obese. The term “morbid obesity” is not particularly friendly to hear, however this is most commonly used by clinicians to diagnose weight status in adults. Morbid obesity has many of the same causes and some similar risks as obesity, but you will find that they differ mostly with treatment strategies. There are an estimated 9 million Americans who are considered morbidly obese in our country. How Morbid Obesity is Measured Like, obesity, morbid obesity is most commonly calculated using BMI. BMI is a measurement used to indicate obesity and morbid obesity in adults. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his or her height in meters squared. An adult with a BMI
Morbid obesity is an increasingly common and serious disease, which afflicts over three million Americans. The National Institutes of Health has named it a major national health problem. Morbid obesity refers to patients who are 50-100% (or approximately 100 pounds or more) above their ideal body weight. A BMI (body mass index) value greater than 39.9 may also be used to diagnose morbid obesity.
Morbid obesity is the condition in which a person’s excess weight is causing or will soon cause serious health problems. Obesity is a major health issue in America as we enter the 21st Century, while posing a difficult therapeutic challenge for clinicians. According to the recent NIH consensus report, the majority of Americans are overweight. Researchers and physicians are beginning to realize that obesity is a chronic condition, like hypertension or diabetes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors. The pathogenesis of morbid obesity involves more than just a lack of willpower or a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity contributes to the development of numerous life-threatening or disabling disorders including coronary heart disease, hypertension, Type II diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, degenerative joint disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Heavier men and women have an increased risk of premature death. An estimated $45 billion is spent annually in the United States t
