Morbid Obesity Treatment

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A person who is classified as morbidly obese has a BMI (Body Max Index) greater than 40, or he or she is more than 100 pounds overweight. In addition, people with a BMI of 35 or higher with an existing medical condition such as hypertension or diabetes are also considered morbidly obese. If someone is sufficiently overweight enough where it interferes with normal functioning or health, he or she is classified as morbidly obese.

Morbid obesity is more than just consuming more calories than burned. There are other factors that cause morbid obesity such as age, gender, genetics, environmental factors and psychological factors. Individuals may also have an illness or take medication that causes morbid obesity. Whatever the reason or reasons are for morbid obesity, a person should always discuss his or her options with a doctor. Here are the most common methods for morbid obesity treatment:

Behavior Modification - Behavior modification for morbid obesity treatment consists of modifying behaviors that contributed to weight gain. These factors include changing eating patterns, increasing physical activity, becoming educated, engaging in a support group and setting realistic weight loss goals. To find behavior modification help for weight loss, check with a doctor who specializes in behavior modification for the morbidly obese.

Doctor Supervised Weight Loss - Doctor supervised morbid obesity treatment provides weight loss programs in clinical settings with a licensed healthcare professional. Usually the patient is educated about nutrition, physical activity and behavioral therapy. Generally patients are given a food and exercise program to follow.

Commercial Weight Loss Programs - Commercial weight loss programs consist of participating in a non-clinical program. Most programs are privately operated such as Weight Watchers. There are also websites, books, and counselors that help morbidly obese people lose weight.

Bariatric Surgery - Bariatric surgery is a morbid obesity treatment that should be considered as a last resort. People must qualify for bariatric weight loss surgery by having a BMI of 40 or greater or by having a BMI of 35 with an existing medical condition such as hypertension or diabetes. Since there are many different types of bariatric surgery for morbidly obese people, it is best to discuss your options with a doctor. Keep in mind that it is important to discuss bariatric surgery with a few different weight loss surgeons since each doctor usually promotes his or her specialized surgery. Weight loss surgery is not a long-term cure for morbid obesity. As with any morbid obesity treatment, lifestyle changes need to implemented for long-term weight loss success.