Morbid obesity is a complex medical disease with multiple underlying factors that afflicts more than four million Americans. The condition is defined as being 100 pounds over an ideal body weight, or having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater.

Check your Body Mass Index

Morbid obesity is not a moral problem due to lack of will power. Nor does the inability to lose weight indicate lack of self-control. Studies have shown that diets, medications, exercise and counseling programs have a 95% long-term failure rate due to underlying physiologic, chemical and genetic factors associated with morbid obesity.

Those who suffer from this metabolic disorder must confront serious physical, social, economic and psychological issues. Multiple studies have documented that severe obesity is associated with very high risk of health problems, early death and cancer. In fact, morbid obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., with 300,000 deaths annually.

There Is Hope

Bariatric surgery can help you achieve long term weight control. Surgical treatment is not a cosmetic procedure. It does not involve the removal of adipose tissue (fat) by suction or excision. Surgery can assist in weight loss by two methods: limiting intake of food by reducing the size of the stomach (gastric restriction) or limiting the absorption of food (malabsorption).

The loss of even 10% of excess weight has been shown to reduce or eliminate the need for medications for associated hypertension, diabetes and lipid disorders. Patients may resume exercise and become more active. Studies show that 90% of diabetics are able to cease medication, and 70% of people suffering from sleep apnea find this condition totally eliminated. Shortness of breath can also be reduced or eliminated. The end result can be an overall improvement of self-esteem and a new, healthier lifestyle.

Individuals who are 100 pounds over an ideal body weight, or whose body mass index (BMI) is 40 or above, are ideal candidates for surgery. Several surgical options, including those endorsed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are available at the Atlanta Bariatric Center.