Bariatrics is a branch of medicine that will deal with prevention, causes, and treatment of obesity. This field will encompass exercise, diet, surgeries, medications, and therapy, with the goal of sustaining weight loss. Obesity applies to an individual that has too much body fat.
The Body Mass Index, or BMI, is used as a screening tool to see if someone is overweight or obese. This scale takes a person's weight in kilograms and divides it by height in meters. If the BMI is 25 to 30, it is within the overweight range, and if it’s higher than 30, it is within the obese range. While it can be used as a screening tool, it shouldn’t be a diagnostic of the health of an individual.
Obesity can put an individual at greater risk for different health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gout, gallbladder disease, breathing problems, and some cancers. Not everyone who is considered obese has all these problems. Usually, the risk is higher for those who already have a family history of any of these conditions.
There are number of factors that can cause obesity. Obesity can happen over time when an individual is eating more calories than are being used by the body. The balance of calories will be different for each person, and some factors that can that can affect weight include eating high fat foods, not exercising, overeating, and a person's genetic makeup. Other factors that can cause obesity include metabolic abnormalities, eating disorders like binge eating, hormonal issues, and sleeping problems.
The goal with any treatment for obesity is to reach and then maintain a healthy weight. An individual can work with a team of health professionals, including a dietitian, to help make changes in eating habits. Treatment should be gradual and weight loss should not happen at once. The first goal is usually to lose three to five percent of total weight. If someone weigh 200 pounds, this means he or she would only need to lose about six to 10 pounds for their health to improve. However, the more weight someone loses, when it’s done in a healthy way, the better the outcome for his or her health. Treatment tools include prescription weight loss medications, behavior changes, dietary changes, exercise, and in some cases weight loss surgery.
Individuals who are living with obesity may have mobility issues and may benefit from a bariatric wheelchair. Bariatric wheelchairs can incorporate power positioning for greater comfort, such as TRU-Balance® HD Power Tilt, to assist with pressure relief. To provide greater support, there are also Stealth® wheelchair cushions and backs that may be selected for lumbar support or coccyx and sacral relief. Many bariatrics wheelchairs are available with drive controls, such as Q-Logic 2 Drive Control System, which allows a bariatric patient to drive the wheelchair using a joystick.
The Quantum® 1450 Bariatric Power Chair is designed for bariatric users. This power chair features an innovate design that provides outdoor performance and can maneuver in tight spaces. This wheelchair has a maximum speed of up to 4.5 mph and a weight capacity of up to 600 pounds. There is a high efficiency motor package and a range of positioning and seating systems available, to ensure bariatric patients are comfortable.