Obesity class III is when a patient has a body mass index, or BMI, that is 40 or higher. This condition is also called severe obesity, and it can lead to many health complications. Obesity is caused by a variety of factors in most cases, from medications that cause weight gain, genetics, eating a poor diet, and being sedentary.
The symptoms of obesity class III are:
In severe obesity, a patient will usually have a waist circumference that is in excess of 93 cm in men and 88 cm in women. High blood pressure is also very common in these patients, as is acanthosis nigricans which is a skin pigment disorder. Stretch marks and swelling of the lower limbs are also quite common.
The risk factors for obesity class III are having a family history of obesity, being on any medications that might cause weight gain, and eating an unhealthy diet. People who are severely obese are usually also sedentary and might not engage in any physical activity at all due to their body weight. This creates a circular situation where patients need to move to be healthy, but their health prohibits them from moving around. Those with injuries and health conditions that make it hard to move around are also more at risk for developing severe obesity.
The causes of obesity can be numerous. Those who are being treated for diseases like polycystic ovary disease, Cushing’s Syndrome or autoimmune disorders are more likely to become obese. Those with mental health issues and who sleep poorly are also much more likely to become obese. Eating disorders and body dysmorphia can also play a role in severe obesity.
An unhealthy diet and a lack of physical activity are the root cause of obesity in many cases. This might not be the sole reason for a patient’s weight gain, but these two factors are almost always a part of cause of obesity.
Doctors diagnose obesity by measuring someone’s waist-to-hip circumference or by using a height-to-weight ratio chart. A skinfold pinch test can also be used to diagnose obesity.
Prevention of obesity can be complicated for some patients. Those who cannot be active and who are on medications that are linked to weight gain are much more likely to be obese, even when making an effort not to gain weight. It is important to eat a healthy diet and exercise every day to help prevent excessive weight gain.
Treatment of this condition is often done by making small changes to a patient’s daily life. Patients will be asked to begin a modest workout routine and to aim for small amounts of physical activity every day. Patients will also usually be referred to a dietician or a nutritionist to be given an eating plan that ensures they are getting the proper nutrition and the correct number of calories in their daily diet.
Weight loss medications and weight loss surgery might be necessary to help a patient with obesity class III. These treatments are prescribed cautiously, and many doctors will expect patients to first attempt to lose weight through changes to their lifestyle and diet. In obesity class III, other health conditions that are contributing to weight gain will also need to be attended to with proper treatment, and conditions like high blood pressure will need to be evaluated and treated as well.