Morbid obesity can interfere with essential physical functions such as breathing or walking. In addition, those who suffer from it are at greater risk for illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancerous cell growth in their body.
Obesity is determined by the BMI (Body Mass Index). This ratio includes height and weight measurements that takes the weight divided by the square of the height. The BMI correlates with the amount of body fat. If the BMI is above 30 kg/m2, that indicates obesity; at a BMI more than 35, it is considered morbidly obese.
What is Morbid Obesity?
Morbid obesity symptoms contribute to primary physical disorders such as breathing problems and walking difficulties. In addition, individuals found morbidly obese are at higher risk for certain diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, gallstones, sleep apnea, cancer, and other related illnesses.
The condition includes people who have a body mass index (BMI) that is considerably higher than 35.
What Causes Morbid Obesity?
Morbid obesity is the direct result of too much fat stored in one’s body, which can result from excessive caloric intake in the diet with insufficient exercise; a family history of obesity; and less commonly, due to undiagnosed hormone disorders leading to weight gain.
Fat will gradually build up every time you consume more calories than what your body needs. And the result of too much fat stored in your body leads to obesity or morbid obesity.
Common Obesity-Related Conditions
Listed below are common obesity complications:
Osteoarthritis
The inflammation of weight-bearing joints due to osteoarthritis. Inflammation and pain are triggered by additional weight placed on joints, particularly on knees and hips. Similar problems can arise in the back when bones and muscles are stressed, such as damaged disks and back pain.
Depression
The inflammation of weight-bearing joints due to osteoarthritis. Inflammation and pain are triggered by additional weight placed on joints, particularly on knees and hips. Similar problems can arise in the back when bones and muscles are stressed, such as damaged disks and back pain.
Sleep apnea/respiratory problems
People who sleep on their backs, especially those with fat deposits in their tongue and neck, may have trouble breathing. During the daytime, they become drowsy and have headaches as a result.
High blood pressure
When the body carries around excess weight, the heart cannot function properly. Consequently, obesity usually leads to hypertension (high blood pressure), which can cause stroke and damage to the heart and kidneys.
Type 2 diabetes
When people become morbidly obese, their insulin resistance increases, increasing blood sugar levels. It leads to Type 2 diabetes.
Who Is at Risk for Morbid Obesity?
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey:
- There were no significant differences in obesity rates between men and women between all adults or by age groups in 2017–2018, according to age-adjusted obesity prevalence rates for adults.
- Women have a higher chance to be obese than men.
- Adults of non-Hispanic black racial and ethnic origin had the highest prevalence of both obesity and severe obesity.
- Adults aged 40–59 had the highest prevalence of severe obesity compared to other age groups.
- Adult obesity and severe obesity rates have increased among adults from 1999–2000 through 2017–2018.
Diagnosing Morbid Obesity
The doctor will typically prescribe some tests and perform a physical examination to diagnose obesity and discuss obesity treatment.
Generally, these tests and exams include:
- Taking your medical history. In addition to reviewing your medical history, your doctor may ask about your habits. It includes exercise, eating patterns, conditions you have, medications, stress levels, and other matters related to your health. It is also possible to determine predispositions to certain diseases based on your family history.
- A general physical examination. Your height, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and lungs are all checked, as well as your abdomen.
- BMI calculation. Your doctor will assess you regarding your body mass index. An obese individual has a body mass index greater than 30. The higher the number, the higher the health risks. It is imperative to have your BMI checked at least once a year to assess your health risks and prescribed appropriate treatments.
- Taking your waist measurement. You can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes by storing fat around your waist, also known as visceral fat or abdominal fat. The waist measurement (circumference) of women greater than 35 inches (89 centimeters) and the waist measurement of men greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters) may be associated with more health risks than the waist measurements of individuals just a few inches shorter. At least once a year, waist circumference should also be measured.
- Examining other health issues. Your doctor will assess your health issues if you have any. Your doctor will also check for other health problems, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, liver problems, and diabetes.
What makes obese hosts so vulnerable to Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
In a healthy body, adipose tissue serves as a repository of energy in times of food scarcity. And in lean, healthy individuals, it gives off elements that are anti-inflammatory.
If, however, the fat tissue becomes detrimental, which usually happens in obese individuals, it can become dysfunctional. It secretes hormones and other chemical signals that promote chronic low-grade inflammation.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on weight management
There is a strong link between obesogenic practices and COVID-19 quarantine plans, deficient physical activity, excessive food intake, and unhealthy eating habits. In addition, people are being forced to sit in the same position for more extended periods, enhancing sedentary behaviours. Such behaviours include:
- The exposure to screens (computers, video games, tablets, television
- The move to remote working.
- The closing of gardens and gyms.
These practices result in morbidly obese individuals. Keeping a regular physical activity schedule when isolated is essential for weight loss prevention.
Final Words
To maintain good health, it is crucial to maintain a healthy weight. The first step to prevent obesity is to take action every day. You can avoid the effects of obesity by making small changes, such as eating more vegetables and going to the gym a few times a week.
Taking a more customised approach to your diet is possible with the help of a dietitian or nutritionist. Finally, due to the difficulties in maintaining weight loss or even losing significant amounts of weight, medications or even procedures like bariatric surgery can help to get patients to lose weight healthily.
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