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Health Problems from Excess Weight
Obesity has far-reaching effects, from social and economic challenges like reduced opportunities and discrimination to physical limitations that make daily life more difficult. It can hinder mobility, reduce activity levels, and significantly impact overall health. Many serious medical conditions are linked to obesity, contributing to an estimated $173 billion in annual healthcare costs. Additionally, obesity shortens life expectancy and greatly increases the risk of numerous health issues.
Health problems related to excess weight (also known as “comorbid conditions”) include:
- Acid reflux/GERD
- Birth defects related to maternal obesity
- Cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes (Type 2)
- Female reproductive health disorder
- Heart disease, such as hardening of the arteries, heart attack and angina
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Urinary stress incontinence
Most of these conditions develop over a period of years. Many people living with morbid obesity may have one or more of these health issues without even realizing it. Losing weight, however, will have a significant improvement on your health.
What is Obesity?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 39. Morbid obesity — also known as extreme obesity — is defined as 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or greater.
Causes of Obesity
Genetics, environment and behavior all play a role in obesity. In our sedentary society where we have an abundant supply of food, people are eating more while being less physically active. The result is an excess of calories stored as fat.
Prevalence of Obesity
According to the CDC, the prevalence of obesity in adults from 2021-2023 was 40 percent, with no significant differences between men and women. Obesity prevalence was highest in adults ages 40 to 59.
The prevalence of severe obesity in adults was 9.4 percent and was higher in women for each age group.
Obesity Research
Progress is being made in understanding and treating obesity, and at Stony Brook, we're on the leading edge. Experts from our Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center have served as principal or co-principal investigators of several obesity-related studies focused on advances in surgery and outcomes.
We are leading the profession of surgery and furthering knowledge in this medical space, contributing to more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and four textbooks, and making more than 170 presentations worldwide.
We are setting performance standards nationally as leaders in quick recovery times, low complication rates, and low readmissions/reoperations for both adults and adolescents.