Clinically, a higher BMI is often used as an indicator of health risks associated with obesity.
Obesity is a complex disease and can be difficult to understand. There are three degrees of obesity: class 1, class 2 and class 3. But what is the difference between these types and why do they exist?
How to calculate if you have obesity
First, let’s start by understanding BMI, or body mass index, as it is used to distinguish between different degrees of obesity. Simply put, BMI compares height to weight to get a proxy measure of body fat. A BMI between 18.5 kg/m² and 24.9 kg/m² indicates a “healthy” weight, and anything outside this range is considered underweight or overweight.
If your body mass index is less than 18.5it is in the low weight range.
If your body mass index is from 6.5pm to 10pmfalls within the “healthy” weight range.
If your body mass index is from 25.00 to 30.00falls into the overweight range.
If your body mass index is 30.0 or higherit is in the obesity range.
Attention!
Clinically, a higher BMI is often used as an indicator of health risks associated with obesity, but it is important to note the limitations of using body mass index as a diagnosis of obesity. For example, BMI can over- or underestimate body fat by not accounting for muscle mass. It also cannot indicate the distribution of body fat and therefore does not distinguish between men and women.
Degrees of obesity
Recommended classification of obesity by BMI:
- Class 1 obesity: BMI 30 to 35
- Class 2 obesity: BMI 35 to 40
- Obesity class 3: BMI equal to or greater than 40
The obesity classes above represent the general guidelines used by healthcare providers when evaluating obesity, but may change based on differences in gender or ethnicity. For example, Asian populations are more likely to have a higher amount of body fat even with a lower BMI. Therefore, lower BMI values are generally used for these populations.
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Degrees of obesity: what they mean
The different obesity classes indicate the severity of obesity. A class 3 It is the least common, but the most serious.
Depending on the severity of the obesity, different treatment options may be available. For those with a BMI of 30 or more, or those with a BMI of 27 or more and weight-related health problems (such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes), weight-loss medications that help regulate appetite may be available and prevent weight gain. recovery. through a healthcare professional. Higher grades may require surgery, such as bariatric surgery.
Even a 5% weight loss can offer significant improvements to your overall health. One study found that people with a BMI over 30 can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58 percent if they lose about 7 percent of their body weight.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
