Morbid Obesity

Obesity statistics show that the rise of obesity and, in particular, morbid obesity, is startlingly high. Of course, most Americans are now aware that our country is considered one of the fatter countries, but as these obesity statistics show, morbid obesity is becoming frighteningly more prevalent in our country.

1. What is it?

An individual is considered to have morbid obesity generally if he or she has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, though some groups consider a BMI of 35 or greater to morbid obesity. Still others such as the National Institutes of Health suggest that being either 50-100% or 100 pounds more than one’s recommended body weight is morbid obesity. In many Asian countries where obesity statistics show that there is a genetic predisposition to a higher tolerance of excess weight, the marks for morbid obesity are set higher in various countries.

2. Correspondence with other diseases

Obesity statistics from a recent study by Loyola University found that nearly two thirds of adults with type 2 diabetes are obese, but, worse, that one fifth of adults with type 2 diabetes are afflicted with morbid obesity. In addition, morbid obesity is well known to be associated with such conditions as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, respiratory problems, depression, and gallbladder disease. The cause of these correspondences is varied among people; obesity statistics show that morbid obesity may result as a side effect of the disease, or may be rooted in the same causes as the disease, or even have caused the disease, depending on the person and the disease. Furthermore, obesity statistics show that people who have morbid obesity have death rates that are 50-60% higher than their thinner counterparts. Also, having a higher BMI corresponds with having a higher risk of getting cancer in the first place.

3. Causes

Obesity statistics show that morbid obesity is caused by a number of various factors. Many people focus on genetic predispositions to gaining weight, and obesity statistics do show a far stronger tie to genetics than previously thought. There is also, of course, a high correspondence to a poor diet and little exercise causing morbid obesity. Obesity statistics show in particular that morbid obesity is caused by a variety of causes.

4. Other side effects

Obesity statistics also show a correlation between morbid obesity and depression, partly from chemical changes in the body, but also because of a common trend of lower self esteem. Furthermore, obesity statistics have proven that people with higher rates of obesity tend to have lower paying jobs, get passed over for promotions more frequently, and are more likely to get fired.