The death care industry is in a period of change where it’s learning to adapt to meet the unique needs of more individuals. Bariatric cremation is a perfect example of how specialized services are becoming. It’s a cremation service that caters to obese individuals who may not be adequately accommodated by traditional cremation procedures due to their size.
As with any funeral service, it’s important to discuss these matters openly with the funeral director to ensure respectful and dignified disposition is provided for larger individuals. This post will help you start the discussion by providing essential information about bariatric cremation and how it differs from standard direct cremation.
Why Bariatric Cremation is Becoming More Common
Bariatric cremation is a specialized disposition service for bodies that are over 300 pounds. Handling the remains of the obese is a logistical problem because all of the equipment and protocols for cremation are made for average size people.
To put it in perspective here are some averages:
- The average weight for a man: 198 pounds
- The average weight for a woman: 171 pounds
- Average weight of the severely obese is at least 80-100 pounds over the ideal weight
Keep in mind the averages above aren’t necessarily the ideal weights. Over a third of Americans are currently obese and another third are overweight. That means the average weights are already higher than what is recommended. The latest data from the National Institutes of Health found that 9.2% of people are severely overweight. The percentage of obese and severely obese individuals has been steadily rising in the U.S., which is why bariatric cremation is more common than ever and will likely increase.
How Bariatric Cremation Differs From Standard Direct Cremation
The success of a bariatric cremation hinges on a few key requirements that make this service possible. The problem is, not all crematories have what’s needed to carry out a bariatric cremation. The factors below need to be covered:
Specialized Equipment
The use of specialized cremation chambers that are designed to accommodate individuals of larger size and weight will likely be necessary. These chambers are not only larger but are also constructed to withstand the special conditions, like the increased risk of a fire.
Higher Heat and Longer Time in the Retort
To achieve a complete cremation, higher temperatures and a longer processing time are needed for obese individuals. That means the timeline for a bariatric cremation is going to be longer.
Expert Handling
Professional funeral directors and crematorium staff who are trained in the nuances of bariatric cremation are indispensable. Their expertise ensures that from transportation to the facility to the handling within the cremation chamber, the process is carried out with the highest level of professionalism and safety.
Advanced Planning
Communication and planning ahead of time are crucial. Ensuring that the cremation facility is prepared to accommodate the unique needs of bariatric cremation can prevent unexpected complications and assure the family that their loved one’s wishes will be honored with care.
How Obesity Affects Cremation Cost
When it comes to obesity and cremation, one key concern is the cost. It’s an unavoidable fact that bariatric cremations are going to cost more. As difficult as it may be to discuss financial aspects of funeral services during a time of mourning, understanding how obesity may increase the cost of cremation can help families better prepare.
The primary reason why bariatric cremation costs more is because there are greater operational costs due to:
- Specialized equipment requirements
- Added personnel
- Longer cremation times
- More fuel used to complete the cremation
- Higher transportation costs
Any financial concerns should be addressed before selecting a funeral service. The truth is, if a person was obese other forms of disposition are likely to be more expensive as well. For example, burial costs more for the obese simply because a larger casket is needed.
Honoring Every Journey With Simple and Dignified Bariatric Cremation
While obesity may have an impact on cremation costs and the timeline, with the help of a knowledgeable funeral service provider, families can handle the challenges while still honoring their loved one appropriately. If you need help arranging bariatric cremation give us a call to discuss pricing and the first steps in the process.
