More than a month after former “American Idol” contestant Mandisa’s death, autopsy results revealed she died from complications of obesity.
Davidson County Medical Examiner Dr. Feng Li told The Tennessean on Wednesday that an autopsy revealed the Grammy-winning singer died from complications of Class III obesity. Her death was ruled natural, Li said.
Mandisa was found dead in her Franklin home on April 18. She was 47.
The singer opened up about her struggles with mental health, the grief of losing a dear friend, and how food was something she used as “comfort” during particularly difficult times. She also blogged about her journey to weight loss and the mental health issues she faced before and during that journey. During this time, she was still performing and recording music.
His story and journey inspired many people who were struggling.
Who was Mandisa?
Born in Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa Lynn Hundley was a member of Nashville’s renowned Fisk University Jubilee Singers, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music in 2000.
The Christian singer stunned audiences when she appeared on the “American Idol” stage in 2005 and made it to the final nine. From there, she released her first album, but struggled with the pain of losing a dear friend and a personal crisis of faith. She also opened up about her struggles with food during that time.
“I was disappointed in God. I was angry because when I prayed for her, I believed God would heal her. I’m not a person who shakes her fist and screams at God. I shut myself off and started turning to food for comfort again. For years, I had been turning to God for comfort, but I didn’t trust Him anymore, so I became isolated and turned back to my old friend, food,” reads a quote on Mandisa’s website about her reaction to a friend’s death.
What is category III obesity?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Class III obesity is defined as a person who has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher and who is experiencing obesity-related health problems. This was previously known as morbid obesity.
Obesity is a disease that many people in the South and the US are struggling with. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, the prevalence of class III obesity has increased dramatically worldwide and currently affects 6% of adults in the US.
What is BMI? What is considered a ‘healthy’ BMI?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, your body mass index, or BMI, is commonly viewed as one way to measure body fat, but it is not always accurate or the only tool that can be used to measure body fat or health.
BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters.
The following BMI ranges classify different weight types:
- Weight: less than 18.5.
- Optimal range: 18.5 to 24.9.
- Overweight: 25 to 29.9.
- Class I obesity: 30 to 34.9.
- Class II obesity: 35 to 39.9.
- Category III obesity: over 40.
What is obesity?
According to the World Health Organization, by 2022, 2.5 billion adults aged 18 and older are overweight, with more than 890 million adults considered obese.
The most common cause of obesity in people is an imbalance between the number of calories consumed and the number of energy expended through physical activity. But according to the Cleveland Clinic, there are other factors that can cause obesity, including certain medications, psychological factors, certain diseases and hormone imbalances.
What complications does class III obesity cause?
The complications of obesity go far beyond just carrying around some extra weight. Here is a list of potential complications associated with obesity, according to Medline Plus, a site run by the National Institutes of Health.
- High blood glucose (sugar) or diabetes.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- High blood cholesterol and triglycerides (dyslipidemia, or high blood fats).
- Heart attack due to coronary heart disease, heart failure
- the strokes
- Bone and joint problems. Excess weight puts pressure on bones and joints. This can lead to osteoarthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness.
- Sleep apnea, or breathing stops during sleep. This can cause daytime fatigue or sleepiness, lack of concentration, and problems at work.
- Gallstones and liver problems.
- Some cancers.
Lifestyle changes and treatment of class III obesity
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are many ways to improve your health if you are obese, including healthy lifestyle changes, behavioral and psychological therapy, medication and surgical procedures.
Here are some things the Cleveland Clinic recommends that people who are obese or who may become obese can do to help reduce the risks associated with it.
Lifestyle changes include:
