Mobility Problems Associated with Obesity

Bariatric, a professional synonym for obese

To many people, ‘bariatrics’ is an unfamiliar term. What it describes – the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity – is nothing new, however. Obesity in Britain – describing those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40 – has almost quadrupled over the last 30 years. In 2022 – 23, 26.2% of British adults were estimated to be living with obesity. That percentage is included within the 64% of the population who are overweight.

The best estimate I can find for people with morbid obesity (with a BMI of 40-plus) is approximately 1.4 million, and comes from the Health Survey for England 2018.
 

Causes have been explored; consequences less so

The causes of this ‘epidemic’ have been well documented, with diet and under-active lifestyles topping the list. The alarming and extensive effects that obesity has on the health and quality of life of the growing numbers of people afflicted with this condition are less well-known.

A major problem among the obese population is the vicious circle that carrying extra weight creates. More weight gained means less mobility means yet more weight gained. Tackling this dilemma of bariatrics can be very challenging for both medical staff and individual patients alike.

Some of the more obvious problems associated with obesity include cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and some cancers. Other important health consequences that impact quality of life include infertility, incontinence, mental health problems, obstetric complications, osteoarthritis and other conditions.

 

Life-changing loss of mobility

Equally important among the life-changing effects of obesity is the steadily increasing loss of mobility as the overweight problem develops. As a result, loss of mobility is a major problem among obese people, but especially with the morbidly obese.

The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has identified the following disability restrictions among various groups of obese people when it comes to climbing stairs. (This is especially relevant in people’s own homes where a restricted capability to access different floor levels can create a range of problems from bathing to keeping the house clean, well maintained and so on.)

• Mild Functional Restriction (BMI 35 – 45)
Normally able to climb stairs unaided, but may be breathless on reaching the top.

• Moderate Functional Restriction (BMI 45 – 55)
Normally able to climb stairs unaided, but may have to stop on the way up and be breathless on reaching the top.

• Severe Functional Restriction (BMI 55+)
May not be able to manage stairs without assistance. At this weight, breathlessness may result from minimal exertion.
 

Assistive products can make a big difference

Many companies have responded imaginatively to the problems that disabled people (obese or not) have in their own home, with issues such as bathing and showering and generally moving around the house. These include products such as walk-in showers, stairlifts, ramps and through-floor lifts.

A good example of the benefits that can derive from having the right equipment installed is that of 32-stone Sean Tyson. He has a through-floor vertical lift supplied and installed by Terry Lifts in his semi-detached home in Guildford. With three young children, 47 year-old Sean needs as much mobility as possible. He was featured on the Channel 5 TV series ‘Big Body Squad’.

In Sean’s case, the Harmony model he has is one of five available in the range. The largest of these is the Harmony ‘Longer Wider’ (LW) model. With its 39-stone (250Kg) capacity, and large enough to carry a wheelchair user, this lift is ideal for bariatric patients. As with all Terry Lifts, safety is paramount. Wireless controls come as standard, together with 2-hour fire protection whether the lift is in the ‘up’ or ‘down’ position.

A Terry lift can be installed in just a few days with minimal disruption. Moving between floors in the almost-silent hydraulic lift is safe, comfortable and straightforward. For a modest investment, users can remain in their own homes without having the expense and inconvenience of moving to a bungalow or ground-floor apartment.
 

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