Morbid Obesity In Chennai

Morbid obesity is a severe health condition characterized by excessive body fat with a body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher, which raises the chances of various diseases and health problems. It is a chronic condition that has severe health consequences. Bariatric surgery also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure that is helpful for an individual with obesity to achieve their ideal weight by altering the digestive system. Bariatric surgery is recommendable for individuals with a body mass index [BMI] of 40 or above, or 35 or above with obesity-related health issues. Dr. Preethi Mrinalini, our chief surgeon, will tailor the treatment plan according to each individual’s specific health conditions.

Types and causes of Morbid obesity:

Morbid obesity is a complex disease and can be multifactorial which can include a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. Some common causes are;

• Lifestyle choices: Excessive calorie intake with poor diet, lack of physical activities and exercises, insufficient sleep, and sedentary lifestyles can contribute to morbid obesity.
• Genetic factors: Genetics can play a significant role in determining an individual’s susceptibility level to obesity. People with genetics will face more challenges in weight management.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors like obtaining nutritious food choices, socioeconomic status, and community can impact weight gain and overall health.
• Medical issues: Weight gain can be influenced by conditions like insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Risks associated with Morbid obesity:

There are several health issues associated with morbid obesity, including:

• Cardiovascular Disease: The chance of acquiring cardiac diseases, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure, is greatly increased by morbid obesity. An excess of fat deposits strains the heart, resulting in high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, and atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes: Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. People who are morbidly obese have a notably increased risk of insulin resistance, which can result in diabetes. Gaining weight makes managing diabetes more difficult.
• Respiratory Issues: Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. People who are morbidly obese have a notably increased risk of insulin resistance, which can result in diabetes. Gaining weight makes managing diabetes more difficult.
• Joint problems: Weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and ankles are severely damaged by morbid obesity. This can result from Osteoarthritis, joint pain, and reduced mobility, making it challenging to carry out regular tasks and exercise.
• Cancer: Being obese raises your risk of developing breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, among other cancers.
• Mental Health: Obesity majorly affects mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery:

Patients with morbid obesity may benefit greatly and experience a life-changing transformation with bariatric surgery.

• Weight-management techniques: Bariatric procedures use a variety of techniques, including restriction (lowering stomach size), malabsorption (limiting nutrient absorption), or a combination of the two.
• Improvement in Co-Morbidities: Co-morbidities are often significantly improved or resolved after bariatric surgery, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
• Lifestyle adjustments: To achieve successful weight loss and maintenance, bariatric surgery necessitates considerable lifestyle adjustments, including dietary alterations and regular physical activity.
• Long-term Follow-up: Following bariatric surgery, it is critical to monitor weight loss progress, manage any problems, and provide continuous support for food and lifestyle modifications.
• Psychological Effects: Bariatric surgery can have a significant psychological impact, including improvements in mood, confidence, and body image. However, some people may have difficulties such as adjusting to bodily changes and dealing with emotional issues associated with food.
• Hazards and Challenges: Although bariatric surgery is generally safe, it can cause infection, blood clots, nutritional shortages, gallstones, and intestinal obstructions.
• Patient Screening and Testing: A detailed preoperative review must be done to assess the patient’s ability for operations, detect possible risks, and improve results. This evaluation can involve medical, food, and psychological tests.
• Comprehensive Method: Effective results in bariatric surgery often require a collaborative effort among surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and other healthcare specialists to tackle various aspects of patient care before and after surgery.

Morbid obesity is a complicated and dangerous health problem that compromises a person’s general well-being and quality of life. Bariatric surgery presents an achievable choice for individuals who have encountered difficulties in losing weight using traditional techniques. People can make wise decisions about their health and start along the path to a healthier, more satisfying life by being aware of the types, causes, and hazards of morbid obesity and the possible advantages of bariatric surgery.
Remember that the choice to have bariatric surgery should be taken after consulting with licensed medical professionals to ensure the procedure is appropriate for the patient’s health and weight loss objectives.