Morbid obesity is a stage where the body mass index (BMI) is 40 or above and obesity causes serious health problems. Morbid obesity refers to a condition that requires more seriousness and attention on weight loss methods. This level of obesity can lead to serious health problems, often related to obesity, and may require surgical intervention.
Morbid obesity can lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint problems and many other health problems. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor the health status of individuals with this level of obesity and evaluate appropriate treatment methods.
How Many Kilograms Does Morbid Obesity Mean?
Morbid obesity refers to a stage where individuals have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above. BMI is an index that measures the ratio of a person's weight to their height and is often used to assess health status. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
BMI categories are as follows:
- 18.5 and below: Underweight
- 18.5- 24.9: Normal weight
- 25- 29.9: Overweight
- 30- 34.9: Obese (1st degree)
- 35- 39.9: Obese (2nd degree)
- 40 and above: Morbid obesity
Individuals who reach the level of morbid obesity often face serious health problems. The risk of obesity-related complications such as heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea increases significantly at this stage.
What Causes Morbid Obesity?
Morbid obesity is a serious health condition that results from the combination of a number of complex factors. To understand this condition, it is important to consider the various causes:
Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition is an important factor affecting an individual's propensity to obesity. Individuals with a family history of morbid obesity may be more likely to develop this condition.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as modern lifestyle, easy accessibility of high-calorie foods, sedentary lifestyle and processed food consumption may also contribute to the increase in morbid obesity.
Metabolic Factors: Some people may have metabolic problems in controlling energy expenditure or storing body fat. These conditions can facilitate weight gain.
Psychosocial Factors: Psychosocial factors such as stress, depression, traumatic experiences can cause some individuals to turn to binge eating habits, which can trigger obesity.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, especially thyroid problems, can affect weight control and contribute to the development of morbid obesity.
Medication Use: Some medications can cause weight gain. In particular, antidepressants, corticosteroids and some antipsychotic drugs can make weight control difficult.
Morbid obesity is usually caused by multiple factors and different causes may play a role in each individual. Therefore, individuals need individualized treatment and support plans to understand and manage morbid obesity.
What are the Symptoms of Morbid Obesity?
Morbid obesity is a serious health condition that usually affects individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above. Symptoms of this condition may include
Overweight: Morbid obesity is characterized by markedly excessive weight gain. A BMI above 40 may indicate the presence of this condition.
Shortness of breath and sleep apnea: Excess weight can cause breathing problems. Respiratory problems such as shortness of breath and sleep apnea are common in individuals with morbid obesity.
Joint Pain: Excess weight can put pressure on the joint and bone structure on the body, which can lead to joint pain.
Cardiovascular Problems: Morbid obesity can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and vascular problems.
Type 2 Diabetes: Morbid obesity can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin resistance.
Psychosocial Effects: Morbid obesity can lead to psychosocial problems such as low self-esteem, depression and social isolation.
Fatigue and Inactivity: Being overweight can lower an individual's energy levels and often limits physical activity.
Skin Problems: Morbid obesity can increase susceptibility to skin problems, especially infections in the deep folds, due to the accumulation of fat under the skin.
Risks of Morbid Obesity
Morbid obesity represents a stage where excess weight leads to serious health problems. This condition entails a number of health risks:
Heart Disease: Morbid obesity can increase the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin resistance.
Respiratory Problems: Excess weight can cause breathing problems such as sleep apnea, shortness of breath and asthma.
High Blood Pressure: Obesity can increase the risk of high blood pressure by increasing pressure on blood vessels and the circulatory system.
Fatty Liver: Morbid obesity can cause fat accumulation in the liver and increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
Joint Problems: Being overweight can cause joint pain and increase the risk of osteoarthritis and joint inflammation.
Cancer Risk: Morbid obesity can increase the risk of some types of cancer, especially breast, bowel, uterine and prostate cancer.
Psychosocial Effects: Morbid obesity can lead to psychosocial problems such as depression, low self-esteem and social isolation.
Skin Problems: Excess fat accumulation under the skin can cause skin infections and irritations.
Mortality Risk: Morbid obesity can increase the risk of death, especially when the aforementioned health problems come together.
Diagnosis of Morbid Obesity
The diagnosis of morbid obesity is based on a series of assessments, usually carried out by a health professional. This assessment may include the following elements:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement,
- General health history of the patient,
- Physical examination,
- Blood pressure measurement,
- Blood tests, especially blood lipid profile and glucose levels.
Morbid Obesity in Women
Morbid obesity in women may differ due to hormonal changes and special conditions such as pregnancy and menopause. Morbid obesity in women can be associated with hormonal disorders, especially polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and may increase the risk of infertility.
Morbid Obesity in Men
Morbid obesity in men is often associated with metabolism, hormonal imbalances and genetic factors. Morbid obesity in men can lead to sexual dysfunctions and sleep apnea, especially due to changes in testosterone levels.
Morbid Obesity Treatment
Treatment of morbid obesity requires an individualized approach and is usually managed by a multidisciplinary team. Treatment options may include:
- Diet and lifestyle changes,
- Exercise programs,
- Psychological support and counseling,
- Medication
- Bariatric surgery (such as stomach reduction, gastric bypass).
The treatment plan is determined by taking into account the patient's general health status, lifestyle and goals. The appropriate treatment options for each patient should be evaluated by health professionals.