Obesity

When your weight is over what is determined as your healthy weight range for a given height, then your weight is described as overweight or obese. Body Mass Index, or BMI, is used as a screening tool for overweight or obesity.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person’s weight (kilograms) divided by the square of height (meters). A BMI can indicate a person’s body fatness.

To calculate BMI, see the Adult BMI Calculator or determine BMI by finding your height and weight in this BMI Index Chart.

• BMI is less than 18.5: Underweight
• BMI is 18.5 to <25: Normal
• BMI is 25.0 to <30: Overweight
• BMI is 30.0 or higher: Obese

Obesity is then subdivided into the following categories:

• Class 1 (“Mild”): BMI of 30 to < 35
• Class 2 (“Moderate”): BMI of 35 to < 40
• Class 3 (“Severe”/“Extreme”): BMI of 40 or higher

It is crucial for everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent obesity but also to seek assistance from medical professionals to combat obesity safely.