Bariatric Emergencies

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How is obesity defined?

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

BMI = body weight (in kg) ÷ height (in meters) squared

Using BMI, obesity is then classified as follows:

• Overweight = BMI ≥25.0 to 29.9 kg/m ² .

• Class I obesity = BMI of 30.0 to 34.9 kg/m ² .

• Class II obesity (formerly known as morbid obesity) = BMI of 35.0 to 39.9 kg/m ² .

• Class III obesity (formerly known as severe obesity) = BMI ≥40 kg/m ² .

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What is the prevalence of obesity in the United Sates and why is it a health problem?

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide, with over 604 million adults defined as obese. In the United States, 37% of the population is considered obese, and 7% is classified as morbidly obese. Obesity is a major contributor to overall morbidly and mortality. There is a strong correlation with insulin resistance and obesity, with 80% of all type 2 diabetics being classified as obese. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also plays a large role in chronic health problems and is associated with BMI >30. Obesity strains all the major organ systems. From a cardiovascular standpoint, for example, it leads to heart failure, cardiac enlargement, venous stasis, deep vein thrombosis, hypertension, and early cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

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