Obesity, BMI Chart, BMI Calculator, Health Risks, Treatments, And Care

Below are must-know information about obesity and BMI.

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that is used to determine whether a person is overweight or obese.

BMI Chart

A body mass index (BMI) chart is a table that displays a range of BMIs for different categories of weight status, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.

The categories and their corresponding BMIs can vary depending on the source, but a common classification system used by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is as follows:

BMI Weight Status
Less than 18.5 Underweight
18.5 to 24.9 Normal weight
25 to 29.9 Overweight
30 or greater Obese
40 or greater Morbid Obesity

BMI Calculator: What’s Your BMI?

Just input your height and weight below to know your BMI reading:

ADVERTISEMENT

How Is BMI Calculated?

The body mass index (BMI) is calculated using the following formula when using the English system (pounds and inches):

BMI = (weight (lbs) / (height (inches) x height (inches)) ) x 703

Where weight is measured in pounds and height is measured in inches. The result of this calculation is then used to determine whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

For example, if a person weighs 150 pounds and is 5 feet 9 inches tall, their BMI would be calculated as follows:

BMI = [150 / (69 x 69)] x 703 = 22.1

Based on the BMI Chart, a BMI of 22.1 is in the normal or healthy weight range.

BMI is generally used as a screening tool to determine whether a person is at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.

What BMI Level Indicates Obesity?

A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater is generally considered to indicate obesity.

This is because a BMI of 30 or greater is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

What Is Morbid Obesity?

Morbid obesity, also known as severe obesity, is a medical condition in which a person has an extremely high amount of excess body fat and a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater.

Morbid obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It can also lead to decreased life expectancy and a decreased quality of life.

Treatment for morbid obesity typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medical intervention, such as medications or weight loss surgery.

How Much Of A Health Danger Is Obesity?

Obesity is a serious health condition that can have a number of negative effects on the body. People who are obese are at an increased risk of developing a variety of serious health problems, including:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea
  • Certain cancers (such as breast, colon, and kidney cancer)

Obesity can also lead to decreased life expectancy and a decreased quality of life. It is important for individuals who are obese to take steps to address their weight and improve their overall health.

This may involve making lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity, as well as seeking medical intervention if necessary.

Can People Classified As Obese Still Lose Weight?

Yes, of course it is possible for people who are classified as obese to still lose weight.

Losing weight can be challenging, but it is important for individuals who are obese to take steps to address their weight in order to reduce their risk of developing obesity-related health problems and improve their overall health.

It is important to note that weight loss is not always easy, and it may require a combination of lifestyle changes and medical intervention.

ADVERTISEMENT

There are several strategies that can be effective for weight loss, as explained in the next section.

Obesity Treatments And Care

Treatment of obesity is becoming more important in the healthcare field. Obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with behavioral changes and medications. It is also a common risk factor for a wide variety of medical disorders.

The most effective method of dealing with this problem involves a combination of education, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.

Surgical weight loss treatments are often offered for those who have failed to lose excess pounds through diet and exercise alone.

Below are various obesity treatments worth knowing.

8. Weight Loss Diet

One practical treatment for obesity is going on a weight-loss diet. The key is to reduce the intake of calories. This may be achieved through diet and exercise. The goal here is to achieve a healthy weight, which is associated with improved health and a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Health professionals agree that a healthy weight-loss diet is one that combines physical activity with reduced calorie consumption. A good way to get started is to consult a doctor, who can help determine the best dietary plan.

(continued next page)