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.