Obesity and More

For years physician offices have dealt with the obese, and in a few cases the morbidly obese.

These days, there are the obese patients, the morbidly obese (100% over ideal body weight), and now the super morbidly obese (our terminology).

Patients weighing in excess of 300 pounds are very common, and patients more than 400 pounds are more common. Over a certain level patients are unlikely to present at the office, lacking the mobility.

Many became obese due to mobility problems, most develop worse mobility problems due to the weight, a vicious cycle.

Some issues to consider:

Waiting room chairs may not be suitable for the patients.

Securing extra large wheel chairs.

Scales may be inadequate or unsafe to use.

Patients may not be able to sit on exam tables.

X-ray positioning is problematic, and clean image may not be possible.

Staff must be trained on sensitivity and safety issues.