What is Obesity?
Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body’s skeletal and physical standards. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your “ideal body weight” is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk. More than one-third of the adult population, are overweight or obese. An estimated 10 million of those are considered morbidly obese.
Unfortunately, along with excess weight come a number of medical conditions that decrease life expectancy, can result in impaired physical function and decrease quality of life for those who are obese. Evidence shows that significant weight loss can improve and sometimes cure obesity related health conditions such as Type II Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and even musculoskeletal pain.
Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat with diet and exercise alone. Bariatric Surgery offers new hope for those who are struggling with obesity.
Comorbid Conditions are related or caused by obesity. The following conditions associated with obesity are often improved or alleviated after Bariatric Surgery.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes (high blood sugar)
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
- Sleep Apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- GERD (heartburn)
- Edema (swelling of the legs)
- Certain Cancers (uterus, breasts, ovaries, prostate & colon)
- Depression
- Menstrual Irregularities
- Infertility