Weight Loss Surgery Options > Obesity as a Disease

Obesity as a Disease

Obesity can lead to many different diseases and conditions. A person’s risk for disease increases the higher their BMI (Body Mass Index). Conversely, losing weight reduces the health risks related to obesity. For example, a 10% weight reduction contributes to a 20% reduction in the risk for developing coronary artery disease.

Changing Perceptions of Obesity

Past:

Obesity seen as a weakness or failure of individual
Diet and exercise were prescribed treatments
Weight loss surgery viewed as dangerous and extreme

Present:

Obesity is considered a disease and the cause of many serious health conditions
Surgery has gained acceptance as a proven method to treat this disease

Obesity Trends among US Adults

Conditions related to obesity include:

Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Osteoarthritis (Joint Problems)
Respiratory Problems and Sleep Apnea
Heartburn and Reflux
Depression
Infertility
Menstrual Irregularities
Urinary Stress
Cancer
Stroke
High Cholesterol
Leg Swelling

Medical Impacts of Obesity

Pulmonary Disease: Abnormal function, obstructive sleep apnea, Hypoventilation syndrome Nonalcoholic
Fatty Liver Disease: Steatosis, Steatohepatitis, Cirrhosis
Gall Bladder Disease
Gynecologic Abnormalities: Abnormal menses, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Skin
Gout
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertenstion
Stroke
Cataracts
Coronary Heart Disease
Diabetes
Dyslipidemia
Hypertension
Severe Pancreatitis
Cancer: Breast, uterus, cervix, colon, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, prostate
Phlebitis: Venous stasis

Obesity is Multi-Factorial

Genetic 25 – 30%
Neur endocrine: Hormones such as Insulin
Metabolic: Calories in (energy) vs. Calories out (exercise)
Environment: culture/ethnicity, people you work with, live, and play with (eating out)

The Personal Cost of Obesity

Items	Estimated Annual Costs
Mean medial/drug costs (BMI ≥35)	$7,337
Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses	$2,684
Employment inactivity costs	$1,017
Commercial weight loss program fees	$678
Prescription co-pays (5 meds at $10)	$738
Grocery and dining costs	$6,012
TOTAL	$18,466