What The Heck Is A Bariatric Manual Wheelchair?

A bariatric manual wheelchair is another term for what's usually called an "extra-wide" or a "heavy duty wheelchair". This means the chair can support weight of over 300 pounds. Because it can hold so much weight, this kind of mobility device cant be folded up like other manual wheelchairs. Folding manual wheelchairs usually cant support weight over 300 pounds. Some can even carry up to 800 pounds.

Obesity

The reason the term bariatric manual wheelchair is generally used because it's not a name that makes the user self-conscious. Many users of who are wheelchair pound have a tendency to put on weight. If they have a condition where it's incredibly painful to exercise, and they have to take painkillers which can often enhance your appetite, then putting on extra weight is inevitable.

The morbidly obese also need power or bariatric manual wheelchairs. Because of their bulk, and that they may have to cart around an oxygen tank, it's very hard for the morbidly obese to walk any distance. Becoming morbidly obese usually involves a delicate mental and emotional problem with the person. They already hate themselves. They dont need to hear a salesperson say, "Hey, Harry we got any extra-wides in the back? This woman really needs it!"

What Does It Mean?

What does the "bariatric" part of bariatric manual wheelchairs mean? It is the name for the field of medicine that studies obesity and weight loss bariatrics. Didn't know that? Well, you learn something new every day. But how did we come up with the word "bariatrics"? It's not a native English term. It is Greek. "Baro" is Greek for "weight". It should sound a little familiar, because it's also the root word for "barometer".

It shows you how fat our population has become that we needed to develop an entire specialized field of medicine to take care of our excesses. Bariatrics only began around 1965 and is one of today's fastest growing fields of medicine (no pun intended). Obesity and morbid obesity is not only showing up more often in adults, but also in children.

Our brains are wired to eat as much as possible in order to lay in fat for winter. Our instincts have yet to realize that we have an easier access to food than ever before. If food becomes comforting, then obesity is inevitable. Many people turn to food to relieve stress. They also have a tendency to isolate themselves when their girth grows. By getting out in bariatric manual wheelchairs, they can interact with others and get some exercise.