Grammy-winning singer and american idol Former student Mandisa died from complications of class III obesity, according to an autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE. The 47-year-old woman was found dead by friends in her home in Franklin, Tennessee, on April 18, and her manner of death was listed as natural.
What does it mean to die of obesity?
Typically, obesity is not listed as a cause of death on the death certificate, Dr. Katherine Saunders, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of Intellihealth, told Yahoo Life. However, “weight-related health complications” from chronic diseases are associated with “very significant morbidity and mortality,” she says.
O World Health Organization (WHO) reports that above-ideal body mass index (BMI) “caused around 5 million deaths from non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, chronic respiratory diseases and digestive disorders”, in 2019.
Saunders says potentially fatal complications of obesity can also include heart attack, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, stroke and pulmonary embolism. And although Mandisa’s specific health condition at the time of her death is unclear, information in the autopsy lets examiners know it was likely related to her weight.
What is class III obesity?
Obesity as a disease is divided into the following three classes according to Cleveland Clinic:
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Class I obesity: BMI 30–34.9 kg/m²
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Class II obesity: BMI 35–39.9 kg/m²
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Class III obesity: BMI equal to or greater than 40 kg/m²
“In general, class III obesity is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality compared to class I and II obesity,” says Saunders. However, an individual’s risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases such as hypertension, stroke and diabetes is generally determined with additional factors, as BMI is considered a flawed tool for indicating health on its own.
Like any form of obesity, the disease is caused by an imbalance of energy stored and used by the body. Genetics, hormonal imbalances, environmental and socioeconomic factors all play a role. One to study shows that class III obesity disproportionately affects black women over 40 years of age. However, there are ways to manage and treat it through lifestyle changes, behavioral and psychological therapy, medications and surgery.
Why does this matter?
“Although there is increasing recognition of obesity as a complex, heterogeneous and chronic disease, many people do not realize the seriousness of obesity,” says Saunders. “Obesity is treatable, but it is hugely undertreated.”
She attributes this to several barriers to care, such as weight bias, which even impacts insurance coverage for comprehensive obesity care.
“Mandisa’s passing is a tragedy,” said Millicent Gorham, CEO of Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention, told Yahoo Life. “Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding obesity, and this heartbreaking event highlights the importance of recognizing obesity as the serious chronic disease that it is, which means there is no place for shame.”
