Weight Loss
20 min read
Written by Holly Hurst
Published: Nov 3, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Mary Garcia-Kumirov, MD
Morbid obesity is a complex, chronic disease that poses risks to someone’s physical and mental well-being. Morbid obesity is defined by an excessive amount of body fat. Also known as class 3 obesity, morbid obesity can lead to severe negative health effects, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The term “morbid obesity” was created by healthcare providers in 1963 to justify insurance reimbursement for the cost of bypass surgery for weight loss in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
In this article, we explore morbid obesity, its causes, and treatment options.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with morbid obesity, a variety of weight loss treatment options are available, including convenient online care.
Morbid obesity, more commonly called class 3 obesity, means a person has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. BMI is a widely used method where an individual’s weight in pounds or kilograms is divided by their height in feet and inches or meters squared. Morbid obesity can also be defined as having a BMI of 35 or higher combined with obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Obesity is divided into 3 categories based on BMI. This helps to define the severity of obesity and the potential health risks involved. Classes of obesity are:
The term severe obesity is another name for morbid obesity, but most healthcare providers call it class 3 obesity. In the future, new names may emerge as providers create more personalized treatment plans that consider factors beyond BMI, such as waist circumference and overall health status.
Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990. And adolescent obesity has quadrupled. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, at least 1 in 5 adults (20%) in the U.S. lived with obesity. And in 2023, 9.7% of people in the U.S. had severe obesity — that’s more than 32 million people.
Experts predict that by 2035, 3.3 billion adults globally will have high BMI levels, compared to 2.2 billion in 2020.
Morbid obesity is a complex condition caused by many factors. Studies suggest that genetics can account for 40 to 70% of a person’s predisposition to obesity, with certain genes influencing appetite and metabolism.
About 70% of morbid obesity cases are linked to lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity.
Environmental influences, including access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity, can contribute to obesity; for example, living in a “food desert” with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables can increase the likelihood of obesity by up to 30%.
Approximately 30% of individuals with morbid obesity also have mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, which can be both a contributing factor and a result of obesity. Also, certain medications for mental health conditions can have side effects that cause individuals to gain weight.
Morbid obesity is a serious health problem that affects individuals and communities. And it can lead to health and economic challenges. Addressing the risks requires a holistic approach, including lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and support for mental health.
There are serious health conditions associated with morbid obesity that include:
Morbid obesity affects mental well-being as well. Mental health conditions associated with morbid obesity include:
Morbid obesity comes with high costs for both individuals and the broader community. In the U.S., the economic burden of obesity is estimated to be between $1,603.78 billion and $3,411.55 billion.
Adults with obesity in the U.S. incur annual medical care costs that are twice as much as individuals with a normal weight — averaging $5,010 compared to $2,504. These costs increase with the severity of obesity, with class 3 obesity leading to a 233.6% increase in medical expenses. This includes expenses for medications, hospitalizations, and specialized treatments for obesity-related conditions.
It’s estimated that the economic impact of obesity will surpass $4 trillion by 2035. This includes direct costs like medical care and indirect costs, such as lost productivity and disability.
Obesity-related absenteeism from work costs U.S. businesses approximately $4.3 billion each year. Obese employees are about 1.5 times more likely to miss work due to health-related issues and can have medical costs that are approximately 30% higher than those of normal-weight employees.
Diagnosing morbid obesity involves an assessment that typically begins with calculating the individual’s BMI. A BMI of 40 or higher generally indicates morbid obesity. But, if someone’s BMI is 35 or higher and they have one or more obesity-related health conditions, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes, they can also qualify as morbidly obese.
In addition to BMI, healthcare providers often measure waist circumference to assess abdominal fat. A larger waist circumference is linked to higher health risks, even if someone’s BMI doesn’t fall in the morbid obesity range.
Providers may also do health screenings to identify related conditions that could influence the diagnosis or weight loss treatment plan. Screenings might include blood tests to check blood sugar or cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and breathing function to detect sleep apnea.
By combining BMI calculations, physical measurements, and comprehensive health screenings, healthcare providers can diagnose morbid obesity and guide patients toward treatment options.
Morbid obesity is best treated with a holistic approach that involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication, sometimes weight loss surgery, and possibly therapy.
Diet and exercise are key to treating morbid obesity. Adopting a balanced, calorie-controlled diet is central for weight loss and maintenance. This involves reducing the intake of high-calorie foods and increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Regular physical activity is equally important, as it helps burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. Patients should work with their provider to create a personalized exercise plan, which may include activities like walking, swimming, or cycling.
Medical weight loss programs offer support that goes beyond lifestyle changes. These programs are designed to address the complex biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to obesity and give patients the tools they need to achieve and maintain significant weight loss. They may be the only realistic option for people whose obesity doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes alone.
Commonly prescribed drugs for morbid obesity include appetite suppressants and fat absorption blockers.
Behavioral therapy helps people identify triggers for overeating and develop strategies to change their behaviors. It can also address comorbid anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques teach patients how to set realistic weight loss goals, manage stress, and establish healthy eating patterns. Through regular counseling sessions, patients learn to replace unhealthy habits with positive ones and foster long-term weight maintenance and improved mental health.
For individuals who don’t see results from medications and lifestyle changes, surgical treatment may be an option. Examples of bariatric surgery include:
With bariatric surgeries, patients typically lose 50 to 70% of their excess weight within the first 1 to 2 years after surgery. And these surgeries also improve obesity-related health issues including:
If you’re unsure whether it’s time to find professional medical help, consider if you have the following key indicators:
Remember, taking action leads to better health outcomes and improves your quality of life. If any of these factors apply to you, reach out to a healthcare provider here on Klarity Health or elsewhere to explore your options and take charge of your weight.
If you’re struggling with obesity, a licensed healthcare provider can help. Find a provider on Klarity Health who can create a personalized treatment plan for you. Appointments are often available in 24 hours or less and select providers offer free initial consultations.*
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances like phentermine may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
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