Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measurement by which we are determined to be within a healthy weight range. A measurement of weight relative to height, BMI – in a normal range – is 20 to 25. A person is considered overweight when they have a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Obesity is defined by a BMI of 30 or over.

Morbid obesity, however, is characterized by a BMI of 40 or more or 100 pounds or more over an individual’s ideal weight.

The consequences of morbid obesity can range from uncomfortable to catastrophic. For one, at this weight, normal day-to-day activities – such as walking, driving, sleeping, and even breathing – are impacted. The longer an individual is obese, the more at risk they are of developing weigh-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, GERD, joint disease, heart disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and even cancer.

Emotional Ramifications
Morbid obesity obviously comes with significant physical ramifications. But there can also be emotional fallout from obesity. Those with obesity can often suffer from depression, isolation, breakdown of relationships, and more.

As a practice, we treat the entirety of obesity – the physical part of carrying so much weight as well as the emotional part of living a life of limitation. When we decide with our patients to pursue bariatric surgery, we do so with the understanding that we are addressing several factors:

• The surgery. Weight loss surgery gives individuals the tools they need to lose the weight. We support our patients through the decision to have the surgery, as well as support them through the journey of the surgery itself.

• Lifestyle changes. No weight loss surgery is a magic pill for weight loss. If the individual is not committed to a lifestyle change through a healthy diet and consistent exercise, there is no surgery that will be successful. We work with our patients to help them embrace these changes that will allow them to be successful and healthy in the long term.

Emotional factors. Obesity has an emotional price tag attached to it; so does weight loss surgery. We help our patients navigate the road to emotional – as well as physical – health.