More than one third of Americans are overweight or obese. It is a chronic disease that effects 9 million people according to American Obesity Association (AOA). An estimated 5 million of those are considered morbidly obese. That means they have a BMI greater than 40 or have 100 pounds or more to lose. This obesity epidemic is alarming because of the risks associated with being morbidly obese.
Risks Associated with Morbid Obesity
The most alarming concern about the morbidly obese is the rate of premature death. People needing to lose 100 pounds or more are at high risk for early death according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Other health risks of chronic obesity include:
- High cholesterol
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Fatter liver disease (metabolic syndrome)
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Blood Clots
- Infertility
Weight Loss Tips for Morbidly Obese
Regardless of how the pounds crept up, being morbidly obese doesn't have to define you. Simple lifestyle changes can make a difference. It all starts with an open mind and a can-do attitude.
- Don't cut too far back on your daily calories. While most diets recommend not going under 1200 calories per day, a person who weighs 400 pounds, for example, is going to require more calories just to live. Cutting back as little as 250-500 calories per day is enough to create weight loss without starving yourself.
- Exercise in small ways. Don't overdo it at first if your mobility is limited. Start small, but be consistent about it. Break up your exercise routine into several smaller routines that you can do throughout the day.
- Seek support. Losing 100 pounds or more can seem like a daunting task. Find a weight loss support group or a weight loss buddy in a similar situation to make the journey easier.
- Talk to your doctor about all of your options. Discuss medicine or surgical options that might be right for you.
- Change your environment. This is something you can do immediately. Get rid of any tempting foods and set yourself up for weight loss success by having healthy meals and snacks on hand.
- Record what you eat, either in a journal or using an online weight loss tool. Become aware of how much you are eating, when you are eating it and where your calories are coming from.
- Focus on eating healthier foods rather than dieting.
- Find ways to manage stress and reduce overeating.
Losing a lot of weight is tough, but it can also be exciting. Allow your doctor to monitor your progress and take measurements of your body. The scale doesn't always show the big picture, but lowering your cholesterol, reducing medications and no longer being classified as morbidly obese are great reminders to keep working towards your weight loss goals.
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