Obesity means having too much body fat. It is not the same as being overweight or weighing too much. A person may be overweight from extra muscle, bone or water, as well as from having too much fat. Both terms mean that a person's weight is higher than what is thought to be healthy for his or her height. Obesity is a potentially life-threatening condition that can contribute to many serious illnesses, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Respiratory disease
- Sleep apnea
- Menstrual irregularity
- Urinary stress incontinence
- Asthma/pulmonary disorder
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- Heart disease
- Fatty liver disease
- Coronary artery disease
Morbid obesity is considered clinically severe. Surgical qualifications include:
- More than 200 percent of ideal weight or more than 100 pounds overweight.
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40.
- BMI greater than or equal to 35 with one or more severe comorbid conditions.
BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. Calculate your BMI now.
For information and an appointment for consultation, call 308.568.8508.