What BMI is considered obese?

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher is considered obese. BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared, and it is widely used as a screening tool for obesity. While BMI is useful for identifying individuals who may be at risk for obesity-related health problems, it has limitations. For example, BMI does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or distribution of fat, which means that someone with a high muscle mass may have a high BMI but not be obese. Similarly, individuals with a lower BMI but higher fat distribution around the abdomen may still be at risk for obesity-related diseases. Healthcare providers often use additional measurements, such as waist circumference, body fat percentage, and metabolic health indicators, to assess an individual's overall health. Obesity increases the risk of a wide array of conditions, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Effective treatment often requires lifestyle modifications, and for some, clinical trials offer access to novel treatments.