Morbid obesity is the term used to describe people whose body weight exceeds the normal body weight limit by 100 pounds or more. It can also be measured in terms of the BMI. A BMI of 40 or more indicates morbid obesity or clinically severe obesity. Morbid obesity, as the name suggests, is a dangerous form of obesity that often leads to numerous medical complications. It is distinguished from obesity in that it is normally not controlled through a simple procedure of diet and exercise. Morbid obesity requires medical intervention in the form of therapeutic medicines or surgery.

A person suffering from morbid obesity should seek medical help immediately. In most cases, morbid obesity is the result of ignoring the condition of obesity for many years and leading a lifestyle that not only maintains but also promotes further obesity. The end result is a severely obese person, who becomes susceptible to all obesity related diseases and cannot lose weight through normal means. A person suffering from morbid obesity becomes prone to diabetes and coronary heart trouble and also falls risk to an early death.

Bariatic surgery may be the only option available to people with morbid obesity. Diets that help them lose weight that they gain back in a few months usually only lead to further complications. Since this condition is referred to as a morbid one, it is apparent that a healthy combination of diet and exercise is something that such a person may not be able to adhere to. With proper counseling and an explanation of the risks involved, bariatic surgery is the best option for morbidly obese patients.