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What are some of the risks of obesity?
Morbid obesity may lead to a shorter life span and an incidence of life-threatening health conditions, these are frequently referred to as co-morbidities. Recent studies have shown that the risk of an early death for those struggling with obesity is twice that of a non-obese person. With treatment, chances are better for enjoying healthy activities and a longer life.
Dedicating yourself to effective treatment is necessary for better health. Finding that treatment begins with learning how weight affects you.
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What are some obesity-related health conditions?
Bariatric surgery may be right for you if you find yourself struggling with one or more obesity-related health conditions.
When choosing to have bariatric surgery, the choice should be made based on discussions between you and your doctor, including goals and strategy for long-term care.
A good resource to understand how patients are chosen for surgery is as follows:
Patient selection for bariatric surgery is based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria-
100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or greater
BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition
Other factors your doctor may consider include:
History of documented dietary weight loss attempts
Lifelong commitment to dietary, exercise, and medical guidelines and follow-up care
Psychological evaluation
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2005 Obesity Statistics
USA Obesity Rates Reach Epidemic Proportions
- 3 million morbidly obese people, 40 million obese people, 58 million overweight people
- Eight out of 10 over the age of 25 are overweight
- 78% of Americans are not meeting the basic activity level recommendations
- 25% of Americans are completely sedentary
- 76% increase in Type II diabetes in adults aged 30-40 since 1990
Obesity Related Diseases
- 80% of all type II diabetes is related to obesity
- 70% of Cardiovascular disease is related to obesity
- 42% of breast and colon cancer is diagnosed amongst obese individuals
- 30% of gall bladder surgery is related to obesity
- 26% of obese people have high blood pressure
Childhood Obesity Running Out of Control
- 4% of children were overweight in 1982 vs. 20% of children who are overweight 2005
- 25% of all white children overweight in 2005
- 33% African American and Hispanic children overweight 2005
- Hospital costs associated with childhood obesity are rising from $35 Million (1979) to $140 Million (2005)
Childhood Metabolic and Heart Risks
New study suggests that one in four overweight children is already showing early signs
of type II diabetes (impaired glucose intolerance) and 60% already have one risk factor
for heart disease.
Surge in Childhood Diabetes
- Between 8% - 45% of all newly diagnosed cases of childhood diabetes are type II, associated
with obesity.
- 4% of Childhood diabetes was type II in 1990, that number has risen to approximately 20%
depending upon the age group (Type II most frequently afflicted ages 10-19) and the
racial/ethnic mix of group stated
- Of Children diagnosed with Type II diabetes, 85% are obese
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Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
