Morbid obesity is a serious disease. Patients with morbid obesity are likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems, including:
- High triglycerides
- Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol)
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure
- Heart (cardiovascular) disease
- Stroke
- Breathing disorders, including snoring and sleep apnea
- Gallbladder disease
- Venous thromboembolic events (VTE)
- For women: Gynecological problems, such as infertility and irregular periods
- For men: Erectile dysfunction and sexual health issues
- Cancer, including cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, ovaries, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney and prostate
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) , a condition in which fat builds up in the liver and can cause inflammation or scarring. This condition leads to cirrhosis of the liver then liver failure.
- Metabolic syndrome — a combination of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol
- Osteoarthritis