Class 3 Obesity Life Expectancy: What You Need to Know
Class 3 obesity life expectancy is around 14 years. However, reducing your weight can significantly improve your life expectancy.
Introduction
Obesity is a growing global health crisis, but when it reaches the severity of Class 3 obesity, the risks to health and life expectancy become especially alarming. Also referred to as morbid obesity, Class 3 obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. This level of obesity can significantly impact quality of life, physical mobility, and most importantly, lifespan.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Class 3 obesity life expectancy is affected, what factors play a role in longevity, and what individuals can do to improve their outlook.
What is Class 3 Obesity or Morbid Obesity?
Previously referred to as morbid obesity, class 3 obesity is a complicated chronic illness that affects people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. There are times when the BMI scale is inaccurate. Therefore, different tests and instruments may be used by medical professionals to evaluate obesity.
Heart disease and Type 2 diabetes are two major health issues that can result from class 3 obesity. Fortunately, there is a treatment for it and you and your medical team can work together to develop a customized strategy to help you achieve a healthy weight.
How Does Class 3 Obesity Affect Life Expectancy?
Did you know that obesity class 3 can reduce your life expectancy by around 6-14 years? This is in comparison with the person with a normal BMI.
According to a study published in The Lancet: In North America, Australia, and New Zealand, the population-attributable fractions for all-cause mortality from being overweight or obese were 19%, 16%, and 14%, respectively, whereas in East Asia, they were just 5%.
For comparison, someone with a BMI of 40 may have a life expectancy similar to a regular smoker. While it’s true that not every person with obesity will develop chronic illness, the cumulative burden on the body significantly increases the likelihood of complications that can lead to early death.
Associated Health Risks and Comorbidities
A shortened Class 3 obesity life expectancy is largely due to the serious health risks that accompany this condition. Individuals with morbid obesity are more likely to suffer from:
- Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension
- Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to kidney failure, nerve damage, and blindness
- Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts breathing during sleep
- Fatty liver disease and gallbladder problems
- Certain types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers
- Joint problems, including osteoarthritis and chronic back pain
- Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and social isolation
Each of these conditions plays a significant role in decreasing overall health and increasing mortality risk. This is why there is generally a shorter life expectancy for people living with obesity, especially for those in the Class 3 category without medical intervention or lifestyle changes.
What are the Treatment Options for People with Class 3 Obesity?
The mentioned treatment options are the most suitable for people with class 3 obesity:
Lifestyle Changes:
Opting for a balanced diet and exercise is the key to improving your life and taking charge of your health. Therefore, start working today with a dietitian, personal trainer, or physical therapist to regain control.
Behavioral Therapy:
You can adjust your lifestyle to lose weight with the support of therapy. Participating in a support group for weight loss could be a useful addition to any individual treatment. You might join an online support group or have your doctor recommend one in your area.
Medications:
Your doctor can recommend medications to help you lose weight and curb your appetite in addition to lifestyle changes.
Before you start taking these medications, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about the variety of adverse affects you can expect.
Surgery:
Severe obesity may benefit from weight loss surgery, particularly if combined with other therapies.
Consult your physician if you believe you could benefit from weight loss surgery. They can give you surgical advice.
Also Read: Lipedema vs Obesity: How to identify the Key Difference
Can Life Expectancy Be Improved?
Now, we are asking the most fundamental question: Are there ways to improve life expectancy?
The one-word answer would be: Yes!
Despite the prevailing reduced life expectancy, there is hope. With sustained and timely efforts, you can easily improve your life expectancy. Weight loss, even in modest amounts (5–10% of total body weight), has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve glucose control.
Lifestyle changes such as adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, along with regular physical activity, can dramatically impact health outcomes. Engaging in just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (just a little more than 20 minutes a day) can already make a measurable difference.
Moreover, people often ask how long do overweight people live without considering the variable of behavior. Healthy habits, when paired with medical monitoring, can extend life even in the presence of obesity. With professional support, improved nutrition, and increased activity, a Class 3 obesity patient doesn’t have to remain stagnant.
Medical Interventions and Support Options
For many individuals, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to bring about significant weight loss or health improvements. Thankfully, there are several medical options designed to help improve Class 3 obesity life expectancy:
- Prescription weight loss medications: These helps control appetite, reduce fat absorption, or increase metabolism.
- Bariatric surgery: Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and other surgical options can result in rapid and long-term weight loss, often adding years to life expectancy.
- Behavioral therapy: Psychological support, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps address emotional eating and establish healthier habits.
- Multidisciplinary care: Involving nutritionists, exercise physiologists, primary care providers, and mental health professionals creates a well-rounded approach to improving outcomes.
Studies indicate that individuals undergoing bariatric surgery can extend their lifespan by 5 to 10 years, depending on age, gender, and other health conditions. In many cases, these interventions have helped shift the narrative from “how long do people with obesity live?” to “how can people with obesity live longer and better lives?”
Conclusion
To conclude, class 3 obesity life expectancy is a deeply important topic, one that touches not just individual lives but families and communities. While the statistics may seem daunting, they are not set in stone. With the right knowledge, support systems, and interventions, people living with Class 3 obesity can take meaningful steps toward a healthier and longer life.
Additionally, Koch Research is your trusted partner in helping you control obesity through efficient weight loss clinical trials. With years of experience and a team of experts, we are here to help alleviate weight loss therapy and help increase life expectancy.
