Obesity is defined as a medical condition where the body builds up excess body fat to the extent at which causes severe health risks and possibly leading to reduced life expectancy as well. Morbid obesity is seen as having severe or extreme obesity and is defined as having a body weight that is 50 to 100% above the ideal body weight or 100 pounds above the ideal body weight and is high enough to cause severe risks to the health. Morbid Obesity can be diagnosed by having a BMI or Body Mass Index value that is greater than 39.
The exact cause of morbid obesity is unknown however there are several factors that contribute to having this medical condition such as metabolic and eating disorders, calorie intake, environmental, genetic and hereditary.
Genetic factors do indeed play a vital role in the tendency to be morbidly obese in that obesity is often seen to run in families however, a family may share a similar lifestyle and diet which can add to the cause of morbid obesity. Illnesses such as Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, depression and other neurological problems can also lead to morbid obesity as well as the use of certain antidepressants and steroids.
Obesity can cause problems in anyone whether it is men, women, teenagers or children. It makes physical activity more difficult and increases the risk of developing severe health risks or worsening the health conditions that may already exist. To name a few health conditions that can be affected by morbid obesity are coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, gout, diabetes, gallbladder disease, respiratory problems, cancer, and reproductive and fertility problems. There is gender and age related differences in the various health problems that one might suffer from however the basic problem all morbid obese people suffer from is the means to safely control their ideal body weight.
Morbid obesity can certainly have a psychological and social effect on people as it brings upon emotional pain and suffering as many people do not understand the causes of obesity and society does not favor those who are very much overweight. In the United States obesity is the second leading cause of death effecting approximately 9 million adult Americans.
It is always best to consult a health care physician to determine treatment at an early stage of obesity before it causes severe health risks. The most obvious treatment for those who are within the obese category is a healthy diet and regular practice of exercise.
All The Best! Take Care.
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