Measuring Obesity - Weight Management Newport Beach
Overweight versus Obesity
The most common measurement of obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). While BMI doesn’t measure actual body fat, it tends to correlate well to the degree of obesity. BMI can be useful as a general guideline but should not be used alone for diagnosis of obesity.
Below are the obesity categories adopted in 1998 by the National Institute of Health.
BMI Classification Level of Health Risk
- 18.5-24.9 Normal weight Minimal/low
- 25-29.9 Overweight Increased
- 30-34.9 Obese High
- 35-39.9 Severely Obese Very High
- 40 and up Morbidly Obese Extremely High
Morbid obesity greatly increases the chance of developing health conditions that can result in significant physical, mental, and social disabilities. It can also lead to premature death. Morbidly obese individuals with a BMI of 40+ or obese individuals with a BMI between 35 and 40 with weight-related health problems may be candidates for weight loss surgery.
