Morbid obesity is a chronic disease, meaning that its symptoms build slowly over an extended period of time. An estimated 5-10 million Americans are considered morbidly obese.

Obesity becomes "morbid" when it reaches the point of significantly increasing the risk of one or more obesity-related health conditions or serious diseases (also known as co-morbidities) that can result either in significant physical disability or even death.

Morbid obesity brings with it an increased risk for a shorter life expectancy. For individuals whose weight exceeds twice their ideal body weight (that's about 2-6% of the U.S. population), the risk of an early death is doubled compared to non-obese individuals.

The risk of death from diabetes or heart attack is five to seven times greater. Even beyond the issue of obesity-related health conditions, weight gain alone can lead to a condition known as "end-stage" obesity where, for the most part, no treatment options are available. Yet an early death is not the only potential consequence. Social, psychological and economic effects of morbid obesity, however unfair, are real and can be especially devastating.

Obesity is widespread in the United States, as it affects nearly two-thirds of the population, and ranks as the second leading cause of preventable death in the nation. However, this problem is not limited to America, but is rather a global epidemic.

At Weight Loss Surgery Center of Baton Rouge, we provide the education, resources, and support needed to combat obesity, so our patients can achieve and maintain a healthy weight.