Morbid obesity is the name given to obesity, which can cause fatal problems depending on the risks it creates and therefore shorten the life span. It should be underlined that it is one of the most common problems in our country and around the world. The factor that causes this problem is that the person takes more calories than person needs.
The body needs calories to digest the food consumed, including the resting state, for the heart to pump blood, and for all systems in the body to function properly. Taking more calories than will be used by the body means fat storage. Obesity emerges as an inevitable end when excess calories begin to be stored by the body and this process continues. We will talk about how the calculation is made in this obesity type or how the surgery is performed. But first let’s consider what the symptoms are.
Article Content
Morbid Obesity Symptoms
Generally, the symptom of obesity is the appearance of excess weight in the body. However, when it comes to morbid obesity, almost every system of the body is negatively affected. For this reason, more complaints arise as well as complaints related to overweight. Of course, we cannot mention that the symptoms will occur with the same intensity in every patient. However, we can list the common symptoms as follows:
- Increase in weight
- Widening around the waist
- Experiencing respiratory distress
- Difficulty breathing while moving
- Sleep apnea
- Difficulty breathing while exercising
- Difficulty due to respiratory problems during simple daily activities
- Excessive sweating
- High cholesterol
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain due to vascular occlusion
- Persistent or occasional pain in the articulars
- Feeling tired
- Weakness
- A depressed mood
- Low self-esteem
Since patients experience many difficulties in their daily lives due to morbid obesity, complaints such as introversion and depression may occur over time. This situation can lead to consequences such as looking at life more negatively and seeing obesity as a “destiny” instead of being treated. However, it is possible to get rid of this problem with a little effort and a little faith. The willingness of the patient to be treated is effective in getting more successful results from the treatment.
Is There a Treatment for Morbid Obesity?
First of all, the important thing to know is that the morbid obesity problem should never be considered as an obesity problem on its own. Because it can cause extremely serious health problems and the shortening of the life span of the person comes to the fore. High blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, reflux, fatty liver, infertility are just a few of the disorders that this type of obesity can cause. At the same time, different problems such as arthritis in the joints, digestive system problems and skin disorders may occur.
This is because this type of obesity shortens life and can sometimes even lead to sudden deaths. Of course, when morbid obesity is diagnosed, treatment options should be evaluated without delay. However, sometimes the treatment to be applied for this patient group includes surgical intervention and it should be noted that it is a risky operation.
At this point, if the risk of complications is low, surgery option can be considered. However, an approach that says “every patient must have an operation” is also not correct. In case of high risk of loss of life, different methods may be preferred.
Options such as the transition of patients to a healthy, versatile and regular nutrition program and the application of exercise programs can be evaluated and the problems experienced can be reduced. However, it should not be ignored that the patient-doctor relationship and patient follow-up are of great importance. If the patient is diligent, takes the doctor’s suggestions and warnings seriously, and strictly applies them, there is no obstacle to a successful result.
Morbid Obesity Calculation
As it is known, obesity problem is divided into various classes according to the body mass index of the patient. A calculation method obtained by dividing the person’s weight by the square of the height is used. If the body mass index of the person is over 30 in this calculation method, a diagnosis of obese can be made. If the body mass index of the person is over 40, then the morbid obesity problem can be mentioned. ‘Lorentz Vandervaei’ formula is used to determine the ideal body weight of the person.
According to this formula, the ideal body weight calculation is as follows:
For women: 50 kg + (height – 150 cm) x 0.6
For males: 50 kg + (height – 150 cm) x 0.7
You can calculate your ideal weight using the ideal weight calculator below.
The Harms of Obesity
The problem of morbid obesity, which seriously reduces the quality of life of patients, causes various damages not only physically but also mentally. First of all, it should be noted that patients can experience knee problems at an early age. As this prevents them from moving, less movement causes continuous gaining more weight.
Therefore, patients are almost in a vicious circle. Diabetes and hypertension problems are also experienced. It should also be remembered that it causes some problems such as arteriosclerosis, which can have fatal consequences. Atherosclerosis and heart problems are the most important risks for these patients.
Because of these problems, problems such as paralysis and infarction can be experienced. Excessive obesity, which is at a morbid level, can also cause urological problems and bone problems in patients. Sleep apnea prevents them from having a healthy sleep process and this causes them to have mental distress. It is necessary to mention the damages such as respiratory distress and social isolation.
Morbid Obesity Surgery
In case of morbid obesity, patients firstly want to know the risks of surgery and wonder if there is a risk of death. First of all, we should mention that there is no risk-free surgery. Of course, this surgery also carries some risks in itself. It should not be forgotten that even the applied anesthesia carries a risk. In this type of obesity, the surgery must be entered with absolutely zero risk.
The patient’s heart condition, goiter status and endocrine should be evaluated carefully. A series of analyzes and examinations are required to recognize the whole body of the patient and to identify existing problems. The surgery should be planned later. We should mention that a comprehensive check up is required. Because it is necessary to distinguish morbid obesity patients from other patients. Post-surgical intervention is also of great importance.
For example, the patient may have a fever, and this is mostly due to postoperative leakage. Because this situation may also be irreversible. If inflammation develops, the patient may die within a week to 10 days. The operation must be done by an experienced surgeon. In addition, if the patient has diabetes with morbidity, a type of surgery called gastric bypass or SADI-S may be preferred.
If the patient is 100% diabetic, then bypass may be required. Gastric sleeve surgery is an option that can be evaluated because the risk of complications is much lower. It is very important that the patient chooses the doctor with great care! Because the risks need to be evaluated very well and this is only possible if an experienced surgeon in this field is preferred. You can write all your questions on the subject in the comments section.