BARIATRIC SURGERY Bariatric surgery

Common Obesity Related Conditions

Obesity-related health conditions reduce life expectancy. Here are some of the more common conditions. If you would like more information, please speak with your physician.

Type 2 diabetes : People who are obese become resistant to insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. They end up with high blood sugar, which causes Type 2 diabetes.

High blood pressure/heart disease : The heart doesn't work right when the body is carrying around excess weight. So, the obese person usually gets hypertension (high blood pressure), which leads to strokes and damages the heart and kidneys.

Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints :Additional weight placed on joints—especially knees and hips—causes rapid wear and tear, along with pain and inflammation. Similarly, the strain on bones and muscles in the back leads to disk problems, pain, and decreased mobility.

Sleep apnea/respiratory problems :Fat deposits in the tongue and neck can block air passages, especially in patients who sleep on their backs. This causes them to lose sleep and results in daytime drowsiness and headaches.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (hiatal hernia and heartburn) : Excess weight weakens and overloads the valve at the top of the stomach, which then allows stomach acid to escape into the esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal reflux, and "heartburn" and acid indigestion are common symptoms. Approximately 10-15% of patients with even mild heartburn develop Barrett's esophagus, which is a pre-malignant change in the lining membrane and a cause of esophageal cancer.

Depression : People who are obese must deal with constant, depressing emotional challenges: failed diets, disapproval from family and friends, remarks from strangers. Plus, they often experience discrimination and cannot fit comfortably in public places.

Infertility : Obesity wreaks havoc with male and female hormones, disrupting normal cycles and function, and leading to difficulty or inability to conceive

Urinary stress incontinence : A large, heavy abdomen relaxes pelvic muscles, compounding the effects of childbirth. This weakens the valve on the urinary bladder, allowing leakage when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

BMI = Body weight in kg/ (Height in meters)2

BMI Table

Nutritional status BMI
Under Weight < 18.5
Normal Weight 18.5-24.9
Over Weight 25–29.9
Obesity 30-32.5
Severe Obesity 32.5-37.5
Morbid Obesity 37.5 and more

Causes of Obesity

The underlying causes of severe obesity are not known. There are many factors that contribute to the development of obesity including genetic, hereditary, environment, metabolism, and behavior.

Numerous scientific studies have established that your genes play an important role in your tendency to gain excess weight. We probably have a number of genes directly related to weight. Just as some genes determine eye color or height, others affect our appetite, our ability to feel full or satisfied, our metabolism, our fat-storing ability, and even our natural activity levels.

Environmental factors also contribute to the cause of morbid obesity. If you have a genetic predisposition toward obesity, then the modern American lifestyle and environment may make controlling weight more difficult. For those suffering from morbid obesity, anything less than a total change in environment usually results in failure to reach and maintain a healthy body weight.

We used to think of weight gain or loss as only a function of calories ingested and then burned. Take in more calories than you burn, gain weight; burn more calories than you ingest, lose weight. But now we know the equation isn't that simple. Obesity researchers now talk about a theory called the "set point," a sort of thermostat in the brain that makes people resistant to either weight gain or loss. If you try to override the set point by drastically cutting your calorie intake, your brain responds by lowering metabolism and slowing activity. You then gain back any weight you lost.

What is Morbid Obesity?

Morbid Obesity is a Serious Health Condition

Morbid obesity is a chronic condition. There is no known cure. Obesity is determined by the following factors: genetics, behavior, internally set points of weight, and eating habits. Because of these factors, the morbidly obese person loses the ability to control their weight.

Morbid obesity is a serious health condition that can interfere with basic physical functions such as breathing or walking. Those who are morbidly obese are at greater risk for illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallstones, osteoarthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

Morbid obesity is diagnosed by determining Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is defined by the ratio of an individual’s height to his or her weight. Normal BMI ranges from 20-25.

Severely overweight health risks

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • High cholesterol
  • Joint disease
  • Esophageal reflux
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Infertility
  • Reduced life expectancy
Scroll