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Being seriously overweight is not a character defect or a lack of will power--it is a medical condition. The professionals at St.Vincent Bariatric Services treat patients based on a medical model and do not blame patients for their condition.
The term ''morbid obesity'' is defined as being approximately 100 pounds or more over the ideal body weight, or having a body mass index of 40 or more. The term ''morbid'' means unhealthy or diseased. Morbid obesity has been shown to decrease the life expectancy of an individual and significantly reduces the quality of life.
''Bariatrics'' refers to the medical and surgical treatment of obesity and the conditions associated with it. Our staff are experts in bariatrics.
Health Risks of Obesity
Obesity is often combined with one or more related health conditions called ''comorbid conditions.'' A comorbid condition is any condition associated with obesity that increases the risk of disability and premature death. Comorbid conditions usually worsen as obesity increases and improve as the obesity is successfully treated. The presence of any comorbid condition increases your health risks. An increased risk for death has been shown for a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 27. (Calculate your BMI) Obese individuals who lose even a small amount of weight (5 to 10 percent of initial body weight) are likely to improve their health in the short run by reducing the severity of the conditions associated with obesity.
Read About: The risk factors for related health conditions.
Read About: The conditions associated with obesity. | 
