Morbid obesity: issues and challenges in home health.

People coping with morbid obesity face many complex issues and challenges, as do the home healthcare providers who care for them. Morbid obesity among adults in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. It is estimated that 1 in 20 Americans has class 3 morbid obesity, also known as extreme obesity (Arterburn, Maciejewski, & Tsevat, 2005). Morbid obesity is on the rise. Understanding the emotional and physical needs of this population allows the home health clinician to optimize the chances for successful outcomes.