Affects approximately 5% of U.S. population.
Nearly 7% of women and 3% of men have extreme obesity, with BMI 40 or greater.
A 25 year old morbid obese male has a 22% reduction in life expectancy, about a 12 year loss of life.
Life expectancy reduced by an estimated 5-20 years.
The work of breathing is increased as adipose tissue restricts the normal movement of the chest muscles, makes the chest wall less compliant, the diaphragm moves less effectively, respiratory muscles are fatigued more easily, and airflow in and out of the lung is impaired by excessive tissue in the head and neck area.
Swedish Obese Subjects study of bariatric surgery demonstrated long term weight loss and decreased overall mortality.