Morbid obesity is defined as a condition in which body weight is at least 100 pounds above a healthy weight, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. According to another definition, individuals are morbidly obese if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. Morbid obesity can cause many serious health problems.
Cancer
The risk of developing certain types of cancers (such as breast, colon, uterus, kidney and esophagus) is greater among morbidly obese individuals than among individuals of healthy weight. Obesity is also associated with increased likelihood of dying from cancer. The causes for the increased cancer risk among obese individuals may differ from one cancer to another. Possible causes include changes in insulin or sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and androgens).
Depression
Morbidly obese individuals are more likely than others to become depressed, and people who have depression are more likely to become obese, according to a study in the March 2008 issue of Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. Depression may occur among obese individuals owing to dissatisfaction with their appearance and a belief that they are in poor health. Conversely, people who are depressed may become obese as a result of changes in their hormones and immune systems. The depressive symptoms may also cause overeating and may impair ability to regularly exercise.
Diabetes
People who are morbidly obese are at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes than healthy-weight individuals. Diabetes may develop as obesity increases the body's resistance to proper use of glucose (blood sugar).
Heart Disease
Morbid obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. People who are morbidly obese are more likely to have risk factors associated with heart disease, including high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats), diabetes and high levels of blood substances that cause inflammation in blood vessels.
Hypertension
Many morbidly obese individuals have hypertension (high blood pressure). Obesity causes hypertension via several possible mechanisms involving excess adipose (fat) tissue. Hypertension may result as the extra adipose secretes substances that stimulate the kidneys. Another mechanism that results in hypertension is the production of higher insulin levels by excess adipose tissue.
Osteoarthritis
Morbid obesity is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis caused by the breakdown of cartilage of a joint. Excess weight increases the load and stress on joints such as the knee, and the extra pressure may break down cartilage.
Sleep Apnea
Morbidly obese individuals are likely to have sleep apnea, a disorder in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep. The airway becomes obstructed when the tongue, tonsils and adipose tissue in the neck press on the throat muscles.
Stroke
The likelihood of stroke increases with the amount of excess weight, according to a study by Dr. Hiroshi Yatsuya and colleagues in the March 2010 issue of Stroke. Obesity increases the chances of stroke by increasing hypertension and diabetes.
References
- "Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults"; National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; 1998
- "Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice"; Depression and Obesity; Melissa Napolitano and Gary Foster; March 2008
- "Stroke"; Race- and Sex-Specific Associations of Obesity Measures With Ischemic Stroke Incidence . . . ; Hiroshi Yatsuya et al.; March 2010
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