Effects of Obesity on Women’s Health

Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of adults—over 72 million people—are obese. Obesity is often associated with serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, and some cancers.

“Morbid obesity has become an epidemic in our society and adversely affects all aspects of our health and longevity,” says Matt Kirkland, MD, director of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. Morbid obesity is defined as having a BMI over 40, which equates to approximately 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds overweight for women.

Although obesity affects men and women of all races and ethnicities, severely obese women face a host of medical complications, including infertility and pregnancy problems, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and sexual dysfunction.

Many women effectively lose or maintain weight through diet and exercise programs but for those unable to lose weight in this manner, bariatric or weight loss surgery may be an option. The goal of any weight loss program is for participants to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. For some, reaching that goal means surgery.

“Women who have successfully lost weight, either through bariatric surgery or other weight management programs, have a lower risk of complications in carrying pregnancies to term than morbidly obese women,” said Gary B. Korus, MD, director of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

People who are morbidly obese also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. “Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of mortality in women and claims half a million lives every year. Bariatric surgery significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and increases life expectancy for those that are morbidly obese,” said Noel Williams, MD, director of the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program.

Weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone and most programs insist that a person attempt to reduce weight with non-surgical options first. Consider the pros and cons of weight loss surgery. For those suffering from obesity-related health problems the risk of death from not losing weight may be greater than any potential surgical complications. Talk to your provider to determine what type of weight loss program is right for you.

Penn’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program

The Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program provides comprehensive care and utilizes the latest surgical procedures as tools in the treatment of severe obesity. At Penn, a multidisciplinary team of leading experts backed by more than 20 years of experience works with patients to provide the highest quality of medical care while achieving their lifestyle and weight loss goals.

To learn more about ongoing information sessions at
Penn Medicine or to schedule an appointment, please call
800-789-PENN (7366) or visit the Penn Bariatric Surgery Program's Web site.

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.