Healthcare has been hampered by the misconception that weight is determined by acquired food habits and unconscious and conscious desires. In truth, weight is a multi- faceted issue that not only is determined in part by the previously mentioned issues, but also by a physiologically regulated variable and genetics. Numerous studies have documented the stigmatism that goes hand in hand with being overweight. Some obese people even consider their weight a greater handicap than if they were blind or deaf. Severe obesity is also associated with increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, arthritis, shortness of breath, and cardiovascular disease.
Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat.
It is well recognized that noninvasive strategies for sustained weight loss are often inadequate. Surgery will restrict food volume, create malabsorption, and, result in behavior modifications due to dumping syndrome. Body Mass Index correlates weight to height. To use this table, find the appropriate height in the left-hand column. Move across to a given weight.