Obesity is a serious disease with symptoms that build slowly over an extended period of time. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) define morbid obesity as:
Being 100 pounds or more above your ideal body weight
Or, having a BMI of 35 or greater and one or more co-morbid condition
The disease of morbid obesity interferes with basic physical functions such as breathing or walking. Long-term implications of the disease include shorter life expectancy, serious health consequences in the form of weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and a lower quality of life with fewer economic and social opportunities.
Obesity is a serious public health issue in the U.S.
24 million U.S. adults are living with morbid obesity and may qualify for bariatric surgery based on NIH guidelines.
By 2010, it's projected that there may be 31 million U.S. adults living with morbid obesity and may qualify for bariatric surgery based on NIH guidelines.
Co-morbid Conditions
The presence of obesity increases the risk of a number of medical conditions, including cancer. A co-morbid condition is a health condition related to a primary disease such as obesity.
There are many health conditions related to morbid obesity, but some of the most common are:
Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, amputation of the feet or legs and nerve damage
Heart disease, such as hardening of the arteries, heart attack and angina
High blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and vision loss
High cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney failure
Obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with high blood pressure
Acid reflux/GERD, which can lead to esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma)
Cancer
Depression
Osteoarthritis and joint pain, which can lead to loss of mobility
Stress urinary incontinence
Female reproductive health disorder, which can lead to infertility and sexual dysfunction
An emerging body of literature demonstrating relationships between maternal obesity and structural birth defects, including:
Increased risk of spina bifida and heart defects
Decreased risk of gastroschisis
These conditions occur more frequently in people with morbid obesity. Mortality rates from many of these conditions are also higher among people with morbid obesity.
Defining Morbid Obesity
