Morbid Obesity
Key points
- The term morbid Obesity refers to patients who are 50-100% or 100 pounds above their ideal body weight.
- Affected people may gradually develop hypoxemia (decreased blood oxygen saturation) and have problems with sleep apnea (periodic cessation of breathing while asleep).
- Home Care A combination of calorie restriction and exercise (when adhered to) appears to be more effective rather than either one alone.
- Contact your health care provider if you or your child appear to be excessively obese or are gaining weight at an extremely rapid rate.
Definition
The term morbid Obesity refers to patients who are 50-100% or 100 pounds above their ideal body weight. Alternatively, a body mass index (BMI) value greater than 39 may be used to diagnose morbid Obesity.
Considerations
Medical problems commonly resulting from untreated morbid Obesity include the following:
- Diabetes
- hypertension
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Certain cancers, including breast and colon
- Depression
- Osteoarthritis
Affected people may gradually develop hypoxemia (decreased blood oxygen saturation) and have problems with sleep apnea (periodic cessation of breathing while asleep).
Decreased blood oxygen and problems associated with sleep apnea may result in feeling drowsy through the day (somnolence), High blood pressure, and Pulmonary hypertension. In extreme cases, especially when medical treatment is not sought, this can lead to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale), and ultimately death.
Common Causes
- Excessive caloric intake
- Thyroid disorders
- Lack of physical activity
Home Care
A combination of calorie restriction and exercise (when adhered to) appears to be more effective rather than either one alone. Sticking to a weight reduction program is difficult and requires much support from family members and friends.
Call your health care provider if
Contact your health care provider if you or your child appear to be excessively obese or are gaining weight at an extremely rapid rate. Remember that catching the problem early is much simpler than trying to fix it after the person has gained an excessive amount of weight.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. A dietary and exercise regimen may also be prescribed.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.