What is obesity?
Obesity is body fat that occurs because of consuming more calories than the energy expended. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measure used to evaluate the health risks caused by obesity. BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (kg) by the square of height (m). The calculation of BMI in the metric system is kg/m2.
Morbid obesity disease describes a person’s body mass index above 40kg/m2. This disease interferes with essential physical functions, such as breathing or walking. Serious health problems caused by weight-related problems such as short life expectancy, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and low quality of life due to less use of economic and social opportunities are the long-term effects of the disease. According to a report by the National Institutes of Health; morbid obesity can significantly reduce lifespan and is a factor that increases the risk of developing the following diseases or medical conditions:
Diabetes Joint problems
High cholesterol Sleep Apnoea syndrome
Cancer Gallbladder stones
Coronary artery disease Hernias
Skin infections Respiratory problems
Stroke High blood pressure
The body mass index (BMI) is calculated by dividing the body weight (kg) by the square of the height in meters. The ideal weight is obtained by multiplying the desired BMI by the square of the length of the height.
Other concomitant diseases
The presence of obesity increases the rate of occurrence of several diseases, including cancer. A comorbid condition is a health problem associated with a significant illness, such as obesity.
There are many health problems associated with morbid obesity; below are some of the most common:
Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Acid reflux / GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Cancer
Depression
Osteoarthritis and joint pain
Stress urinary incontinence
Infertility
What are the causes of morbid obesity?
The causes of morbid obesity are multiple and complex. Despite the traditional opinion, it is simply not a consequence of overeating. Studies have shown that in many cases, the leading causes underlying morbid obesity are genetic, environmental and social. Research has shown that effective and long-term relief can no longer be achieved through efforts such as diet and exercise once the problem is seated.
Type of treatment Weight loss ( % of patients)
Diet and exercise 2% – 5%
Drug 0%
Bariatric surgery 50% -70%
The table above compares the long-term effectiveness of three different obesity treatments: diet and exercise, weight loss medications, and bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery has the best slimming results compared to the other two treatments. From 50 to 70% of people manage to get rid of at least 50% of their excess weight and maintain this condition for five years. After five years, only 2% to 5% of people who dieted and exercised could hold a weight loss of at least 10%. Those who take slimming drugs cannot maintain their weight loss.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
It has long been believed that diet, medication, and exercise provide weight loss. These efforts sometimes offer success in the short term. However, in morbidly obese people, these consequences rarely persist. In many people, on the other hand, a condition called “yo-yo syndrome” occurs in which patients constantly lose and gain weight, which has profound psychological and health consequences.
Recent research reveals that traditional weight loss methods often fail to achieve permanent weight loss. Various studies have shown that patients who diet, engage in exercise programs, and take medications lose about 10% of their body weight but regain two-thirds of this rate in a year and almost all within five years. Another study found that less than 5% of patients in slimming programs managed to stay at the weight they had lost after five years.
Surgical Treatment
Over the years, it has been proven that weight loss surgery is a successful method of treating morbid obesity. Surgical options have continued to evolve. Bariatric surgery is a unique tool that helps you improve your health and quality of life.
