Are You Morbidly Obese?

By Medical Expert Team

Jun 06 , 2016 | 1 min read

Morbid obesity is a chronic and lifelong disease caused primarily by excessive fat storage.

Being overweight and obese are reversible conditions that can be treated by medical management whereas surgical treatment is required to treat morbid obesity. The body mechanisms that control a person’s weight are set in such a manner in morbid obese people that they tend to gain weight easily.These patients find difficult to lose weight as well as sustaining it.

Risks Associated with Morbid Obesity

It is extremely health hazardous as it is associated with medical, psychological, social, physical and economic morbidities. The risks that are associated with it are:

The person is prone to develop high blood pressure, diabetes (type 2), gallstone disease, stroke, cancer of colon, breast and prostate.
Morbidly obese people are victims of pride and prejudice because of their size. This repeated trauma leads to psychological disturbance like depression.
They may also face discrimination at work in poor socio-economic conditions.
It is treatable cause of early preventable deaths.

Whether Morbid surgery is meant for you?

Obesity is measured on the basis of Body Mass Index (BMI). It is a measure of calculating the person’s excess weight. BMI is calculated by: Weight (kilograms)/Height (in m.)X Height (in m.). You will qualify for your morbid obesity surgery if:

You are morbidly obese (BMI>37.5)
Your BMI is 32.5-37.5 with severe obesity related medical conditions like heart problem, diabetes, high blood pressure etc.
You are unable to perform routine activities/daily chores due to weight issues.
Other substitute methods of weight loss and dietetics have been unsuccessful.

Lifestyle Adjustments After Surgery:

Patient should learn to eat food in small quantities and chew it well.
During the first year, a follow up is necessary and then it is advisable to follow nutrition and dietary counseling.
Weight loss starts soon and continues for two years.
With almost 60% patients not requiring medications, there is significant improvement in obesity medical conditions.
Upgradation in quality of life with improved self esteem, stamina and body image.