Obesity Diagnosis and Treatment Offered at Mercy in Baltimore

Obesity is a complex condition caused by an excessive amount of body fat. Being overweight or obese means your body weight is considered higher than what is healthy for your height.

An unhealthy weight can lead to several obesity-related health problems, many of which can be life-threatening. It can also contribute to joint pain and diminish quality of life by limiting the ability to participate in enjoyable activities.

The health risks of obesity include:

• Heart disease and strokes
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Digestive problems
• Back and joint pain

There are many reasons why some people struggle with obesity. Usually, obesity results from a combination of inherited factors, lifestyle, and personal diet and exercise choices.

Factors contributing to obesity include:

• Unhealthy eating habits
• Inactivity
• Some medications
• Depression or mental health problems
• Genetics and family history
• Age and hormonal changes
• Certain diseases, such as hypothyroidism

Weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. Dietary changes, increased physical activity and lifestyle changes can help you lose weight. Prescription medications and surgical weight loss procedures are additional options for treating obesity.

Obesity is diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher.

Waist size can also help diagnose obesity.  A waist measurement more than 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women may have a higher risk of health problems from obesity.

At The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy, our comprehensive and supportive process will guide you through the steps to diagnose your condition, and determine your best treatment options. We partner with dietitians, psychologists and other Mercy specialists to help patients make an informed decision.

Weight loss surgery or medical weight loss may be appropriate when diet and exercise haven't worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight. It is important to understand that you must make permanent, healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle and get regular exercise to help ensure the long-term success of bariatric surgery or medical weight loss. 

Weight Loss Surgery

Mercy Medical Center offers the latest, most effective weight loss surgical procedures. Our experienced bariatric surgeon will first help you determine if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, and which one is right for you.

• Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y) – shrinks the size of your stomach, using staples to create a small pouch. The surgeon will also re-route, or bypass, part of your digestive system so you don't absorb as many calories.
• Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) – removes 80% of the stomach, creating a long slender pouch (or sleeve) that limits the amount you can eat.
• Revisional Bariatric Surgery – performed as a follow-up to a previous gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery when a patient is gaining back weight or experiencing complications such as an ulcer, chronic heartburn, or an obstruction.

All forms of weight loss surgery are major procedures that can pose serious risks and side effects.

Medical Weight Loss

Our weight loss specialists can help you decide if medical weight loss is the right path for you and which type of medication can help you reach your goals.

• GLP-1 agonists – mimic the duties of your body's naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, such as:
  • Delaying your stomach emptying its contents, which makes you feel fuller for longer
  • Working with your brain to reduce your appetite
• Other medication – suppresses your appetite; has weight loss as a side effect