Super-Obese Disease of Excess Body Fat
Definition
Extreme morbid obesity is sometimes called “malignant” or super-obesity. Patients who suffer from malignant obesity have a BMI of 50+ and are typically about 200 pounds or more over ideal body weight. Patients suffering from malignant obesity incur much greater health dangers, including an increased risk of dying estimated at 5-10 times greater than that of people of normal weight.
Health Risks
Malignant obesity is a very serious risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, diabetes, respiratory problems and musculoskeletal disorders.
Causes
The causes of malignant obesity remain complex and varied, and typically include factors such as family genetic history, lifestyle and eating habits in childhood and adolescence, as well as medication useage, calorie-intake, mood/depression and degree of physical activity.
Treatment
Treatment for malignant obesity usually includes a combination of liquid or very-low-calorie diets, weight loss medications and exercise counselling. Patients suffering from significant co-morbid disease may also qualify for bariatric weight loss surgery such as gastric banding or stomach bypass.