Is It For Me

Obesity vs. Morbid Obesity

Obesity

In recent years, obesity has become a public health issue, one that affects approximately 90 million Americans and billions around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is defined as a condition of an extensively high amount of body fat or adipose tissue in relation to lean body mass. Individuals who are obese are 30% (or more) above what is considered to be a normal weight and take in more calories than they burn in a day. A body mass index (BMI) calculation is done to measure a person’s weight in relation to his/her height. Genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, as well as some illnesses, may play an important role in a person’s inability to shed calories, which contribute to the rising epidemic of obesity.

The National Institute of Health reports that obesity substantially increases chances of type-2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, hypertension, asthma, arthritis, and stroke. Although many can keep obesity in check by combining exercise and healthy eating, there are more and more cases of morbid obesity arising that may require a surgical procedure and a commitment to permanent lifestyle changes in order to help in the weight-loss process.

Morbid Obesity

Morbid obesity is a life-threatening weight condition that means an individual is more than 100 pounds over his or her normal weight or has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. It tends to significantly hinder an individual’s ability to complete day-to-day tasks and interferes with daily physical functions such as walking and even breathing. Morbid obesity has serious health consequences such as type-2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, acid reflux, cancer, osteoporosis, joint pain, female reproductive disorder, as well as depression and other forms of emotional and mental stress. Morbid obesity can be a degenerative and debilitating disease that affects not only the individual who is suffering, but also the loved ones who are witnessing the struggle. It’s estimated that close to 31 million Americans are living with morbid obesity and will consider surgical procedures such as gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, or sleeve gastrectomy to assist in the weight-loss process.

Click here to view prevalence of obesity in the United States.

 

(11-2011)