Diseases and problems secondary to massive obesity

Morbid obesity is a health hazard. It carries several health risks and decr eases life expectancy, Individuals with morbid obesity may develop one or m ore complications. These are mainly cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, genitourinary and gynaecological. Patients with m orbid obesity also have a high surgical risk. This review analyses the most common complications of morbidly obese patients and their changes after su rgically induced weight loss. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.