Morbid obesity is a growing concern in India, with an estimated 5% of the population suffering from this condition. This is a serious health problem that can lead to various life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
This blog will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for morbid or class III obesity. If you or a loved one is struggling with this obesity. Then you must understand the risks associated with this condition and take proactive steps to improve your health.
Through education and awareness, we can break the stigma surrounding this disease and support those affected. So, let us learn more about this silent killer.
What Is Morbid Or Class III Obesity?
It is a medical condition characterized by excessive body fat that increases the risk of developing various serious health problems. Let us understand more about it:
- In medical terms, “morbid” refers to illness or disease. However, outside the medical context, it conveys a negative meaning. According to the Obesity Medicine Association, to avoid stigma and promote understanding, healthcare professionals now use the term “class III obesity” instead.
- Class III obesity occurs when a person’s body mass index (BMI) reaches 40 or higher or when their BMI is 35 or higher, along with obesity-related health conditions.
- Morbid obesity can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions.
- It is commonly associated with an increased risk of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes symptoms, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and some types of cancer.
- Treatment for this obesity typically involves a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
- However, in severe cases, bariatric surgery may be recommended to reduce the size of the stomach. And also limit the amount of food that can be consumed.
It is essential to understand the risks associated with severe obesity and seek medical help to manage the condition and improve overall health.
What Is The BMI Range To Diagnose Class III Obesity?
BMI is a screening tool that measures the ratio of your height to your weight. Healthcare providers calculate BMI by dividing weight in kilograms (kg) by the square of height in meters (m²).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following is the adult overweight, obese, morbidly obese chart to detect body fatness:
| BMI Range | Classification | Description |
| <18.5 | Underweight | Below The Healthy Weight Range |
| 18.5 – <25 | Healthy weight | Within The Optimal Weight Range |
| 25.0 – <30 | Overweight | Exceeds the healthy weight range |
| ≥30.0 | Obesity | Falls into the obesity category |
| Obesity Classes |
| 30 – <35 | Class I | Moderate obesity |
| 35 – <40 | Class II | Severe obesity |
| ≥40.0 | Class III | Morbid or severe obesity |
It’s important to note that while a BMI calculator can serve as a screening tool for individuals. It’s not a definitive measure of body fatness or overall health. To fully evaluate your health status and risks, seeking a trained healthcare provider who can perform appropriate assessments is recommended.
Understanding the morbid obesity criteria is essential for individuals to grasp the severity of their weight-related health risks. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your BMI, it’s best to discuss them with your health specialist.
Understanding The Causes Of Class III Obesity
Morbid or severe obesity doesn’t just happen overnight. It is often a result of complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Let us explore its causes:
1. Genetics: If a person’s family members are overweight or obese, they are more likely to be obese themselves. This is because genes can influence the way the body processes and stores fat, as well as how the body regulates hunger and metabolism.
2. Poor Diet: Consuming a diet that is high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar. That can lead to weight gain and obesity. Processed foods, fast food, and sugary drinks are all examples of foods that can contribute to a poor diet with low nutrients. Following a proper obesity diet plan can help you.
3. Lack Of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle without sufficient physical activity can lead to obesity. Physical activity helps to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Lack of physical activity can cause a person to accumulate excess body fat, leading to obesity.
4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome, can contribute to morbid obesity. These conditions can cause hormonal imbalances that can lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
5. Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and corticosteroids, can cause weight gain and contribute to obesity. These medications can affect the way the body processes and stores fat, as well as how the body regulates hunger and metabolism.
6. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances such as insulin resistance, and leptin resistance. Also, polycystic ovarian syndrome can lead to weight gain and obesity. These imbalances can affect the way the body processes and stores fat, as well as how the body regulates hunger and metabolism.
7. Psychological Factors: Emotional eating, stress, and other psychological factors can cause overeating and contribute to obesity. Emotional eating is when a person eats in response to emotions rather than hunger. Stress can cause a person to overeat or make poor food choices.
Other psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, can also contribute to overeating and weight gain.
8. Caloric Imbalance: Consuming more calories than the body burns can lead to weight gain and obesity. This can happen when a person consumes a diet. That is high in calories but does not engage in sufficient physical activity to burn off those calories. The excess calories are then stored in the body as fat, leading to weight gain and obesity.
9. Lifestyle Factors: Several lifestyle factors can contribute to morbid obesity. Including a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, lack of sleep, stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Overall, class III obesity is a complex condition that can have multiple contributing factors. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular physical activity, consuming a balanced diet, and managing stress levels to reduce the risk of severe obesity.
Symptoms Of Morbid Or Class III Obesity
Morbid or class III is a severe form of obesity that can have serious health consequences. The symptoms of this health issue can include:
1. Excessive Body Fat: Class III obesity is characterized by excessive body fat. A person with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher is considered to have morbid or class III obesity.
2. Difficulty Performing Physical Activities: People with this obesity may find it difficult to perform physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even standing for prolonged periods due to their excessive weight.
3. Sweating And Tiredness: Those with morbid or severe obesity may experience excessive sweating and tiredness. Due to the extra effort required to carry the excess weight. The body has to work harder than usual to perform everyday activities, leading to fatigue and sweating.
4. Shortness Of Breath: This obesity can cause shortness of breath due to the extra weight that puts pressure on the lungs and makes breathing difficult.
5. Sleep Apnea: Morbid obesity can cause sleep apnea, a sleep disorder. Where a person repeatedly stops breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and daytime fatigue. Also, read our blog “Is plant-based diet effective for sleep apnea?” to manage this issue.
6. Joint Pain: The excess weight carried by people with class III obesity can put pressure on joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
7. Increased Risk of Chronic Health Conditions: This disease can increase the risk of chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
8. Social And Emotional Challenges: People with high levels of obesity may experience social and emotional challenges such as discrimination, low self-esteem, and depression.
The experiences of a morbidly obese female and male highlight the importance of addressing emotional eating and mental health alongside physical health concerns.
Its symptoms can vary from person to person and may depend on factors such as the amount of excess weight, overall health, and lifestyle habits. In any case, it’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect that you or someone you know may have class III obesity.
What Are The Health Risks Of Class III Obesity?
Here are some of the common health risks and complications associated with class III obesity or morbid obesity:
1. High Blood Pressure: Class III obesity can cause the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, leading to increased blood pressure. This can put additional strain on the heart and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
2. Heart Disease: People with class III obesity have a higher risk of developing heart disease due to the increased workload on the heart. This can lead to the development of conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
3. Stroke: Obesity can increase the risk of stroke by causing a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can restrict blood flow to the brain. This can lead to a stroke, which can cause brain damage or even death.
4. Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat can make it difficult for the body to use insulin properly, causing insulin resistance. It can lead to high blood sugar levels and Type 2 diabetes.
5. Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition that causes the individual to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. Obesity is a common cause of sleep apnea as it can cause fat to accumulate around the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
6. Osteoarthritis: Morbid obesity can put extra pressure on the joints, especially the knees and hips, leading to the development of osteoarthritis. This can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with mobility.
7. Certain Types Of Cancer: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, research concluded consistent evidence that higher amounts of body fat are associated with an increased risk of a number of cancers.
8. Difficulty With Physical Activity: Individuals with class III obesity may experience difficulty with physical activity due to excess weight, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and further weight gain.
9. Mobility Issues: Obesity can cause mobility issues, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a car.
10. Reduced Quality Of Life: Class III obesity can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation.
11. Premature Death: According to the National Library Of Medicine, in severe cases, class III obesity can lead to premature death due to the increased risk of developing serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
It is important to note that these risks and complications can vary from person to person and can also depend on other factors such as age, gender, and family history.
Ways To Manage And Treat Morbid Obesity
Morbid or class III obesity can be treated and managed in several ways. Some of the most effective methods include:
1. Dietary Changes: A balanced diet is essential to any weight loss plan. This involves eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods in appropriate portions. The best diet for morbidly obese people should include the following: –
- Lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, and tofu
- A variety of fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, and quinoa
- Healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado
- Limited amounts of processed foods and added sugars
- Attention to portion sizes, as even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively.
Working with a registered dietitian can help ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need while also managing your calorie intake.
2. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help burn calories, increase metabolism, and improve overall health. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise for weight loss.
- This can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or strength training.
- You must find an exercise routine that you enjoy and can stick to in the long term. This may involve joining a gym, taking fitness classes, or finding an accountability partner to exercise with.
- It’s also important to start slowly and gradually increasing your workouts’ intensity and duration over time. It is the best way for morbidly obese to lose weight.
3. Medications: A physician can prescribe medications to help with weight loss in morbid obesity. These weight loss drugs work in various ways, such as reducing appetite, increasing metabolism, or blocking fat absorption.
However, they should only be used under the close supervision of a physician, as they can have side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone. Additionally, medication alone is not usually sufficient for significant weight loss and is often used in combination with other treatments.
4. Weight Loss Surgery: Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical procedure that can help people lose weight and manage obesity-related health conditions.
- These surgeries work by reducing the size of the stomach or bypassing a portion of the small intestine, which helps people feel full more quickly and reduces the amount of food they can eat.
- Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
5. Behavior Modification: Some people benefit from working with a therapist or counselor to address the psychological and emotional factors that contribute to their overeating.
- This can involve identifying triggers for overeating, developing healthier coping strategies, and addressing any underlying mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
- Behavior modification can be used in combination with other treatments, such as a diet plan for weight loss and exercise or medication.
With determination and support, losing weight for morbidly obese individuals is achievable.
Conclusion
It is crucial to address morbid obesity promptly and effectively. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early on, understanding the underlying causes, and seeking professional help are all vital steps in managing this serious condition.
You can take control of their health and well-being by initiating lifestyle changes, focusing on a balanced diet, exploring treatment options, and considering surgical procedures in severe cases. Remember that class III obesity not only affects physical health but also has significant implications for mental well-being.
With dedication, support from health specialists, and a commitment to making lasting changes, individuals dealing with this obesity can improve their quality of life and overall health.
You can also connect with our Fitelo experts, who can recommend a conservative approach to morbidly obese weight loss per week, aiming for a steady and manageable reduction in body weight.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance if you or someone you know is struggling with morbid or class III obesity. Together, we can work towards better health outcomes and a brighter future.
Is Calorie Counting The Best Way To Lose Weight – Fitelo
In this video, dietician Mac Singh explores the effectiveness of calorie counting as a weight loss strategy. To know more about this weight loss tip, watch the full video below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is A Morbidly Obese Person?
It is someone whose body weight exceeds the healthy range to such an extent that it poses a significant risk to their health. Typically, they have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.
Can A Morbidly Obese Person Lose Weight?
Yes, individuals who are morbidly obese can lose weight through a combination of dietary changes, increased physical activity, and medical interventions, such as bariatric surgery, with the guidance of health specialists.
How Many Kilograms Define Morbid Obesity?
Morbid obesity is typically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, which translates to being about 45 kilograms or more above one’s ideal body weight. However, it can vary depending on height and body composition.
What Is The Best Diet For Morbidly Obese?
The best meal for morbidly obese individuals is one that is low in calories yet nutrient-dense. A balanced diet with whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, fruits, and vegetables is ideal.
Contact Us Today
Get in touch with our expert team at Fitelo to kick-start your transformative journey! Let us guide you toward your weight loss goals and help you cultivate sustainable and healthy eating habits. So, contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you with Fitelo!
Disclaimer
This recipe was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The vital thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Therefore, before starting, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian if you have any concerns.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.
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