morbid obesity

Morbid obesity, also known as severe or extreme obesity, is a medical disorder characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that presents a significant risk to health. It is typically defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 40.0 or higher. This condition arises when calorie intake consistently exceeds the body's energy expenditure, leading to the storage of excess calories as adipose tissue.123

Multiple factors contribute to obesity, including genetics, hormone levels, activity levels, metabolism, eating patterns, and stress. The World Health Organization considers global obesity an epidemic, with millions of adults and children worldwide affected. Obesity is linked to numerous serious health issues, including 13 types of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes. Treatment often involves long-term lifestyle changes, such as reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity, and in some cases, surgery may be considered.321