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Identification & Treatment of Extreme Obesity

It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight. Of this number, half are considered obese. Obesity is determined by the body mass index, a measurement of body fat that depends on height and weight. People who have a BMI that is greater than 39 are considered morbidly obese. Obesity contributes to many life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and cancer. To maintain good health and live a long, healthy life, it is essential to diagnose and treat morbid obesity.

  1. Diagnosis

    • The most responsible thing you can do if you are concerned about your weight is to visit your doctor. People who are morbidly obese probably already have many health complications that need to be considered before determining a path of treatment. Your doctor will consider many factors, such as family and medical history, dietary habits and other symptoms. A physical exam is necessary to look for any possible causes of the obesity.

    Diet and Exercise

    • As long as the person is determined healthy enough to do so, the safest and healthiest way to treat morbid obesity is with diet and exercise. Dietary changes may include restricting calories, and increasing foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains while cutting out some sugars and fats. When paired with exercise, dieting is even more effective. Even basic physical activities like short walks or lifting hand weights can go a long way. These changes will be determined by the person's physical abilities.

    Medication

    • For some people, diet and exercise may not be enough to treat morbid obesity. Though it is recommended to first try to lose weight naturally, there are several prescription weight loss medications available through your doctor. A popular medication called Mirena works by reducing food cravings and feelings of hunger. Xenical is another option. This reduces the amount of fats that are absorbed by your digestive system. Excess fat is excreted through the bowels. A lower-strength version of this drug, Alli, is available without a prescription. Keep in mind that these medications may not be advised for long-term use and can cause many side effects.

    Surgery

    • In some cases, weight loss surgery that reduces or restricts the size of the stomach can be an effective treatment. Bariatric weight loss surgery can produce the most dramatic weight loss, but as with any surgery, it poses many risks. Many people have lost significant amounts of weight with this method, also reversing obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. However, the procedures can be costly, require recovery time and could have complications.

    Psychological Therapy

    • For many people, obesity is rooted in psychological issues. Psychological counseling can help change your attitudes about food and body image. Behavior modification therapy helps you change your habits and replace them with new and healthy ones. Talking to a therapist can also help uncover emotional issues that may be contributing to overeating and having an emotional attachment to food. Many people also find support groups to be the best kind of therapy. Meeting others who are facing the same challenges as you will give you motivation and a sense of community.

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