What constitutes as obesity? How heavy is considered obese?

Hi everyone, I've been seeing a lot of conflicting information about what exactly constitutes as obesity. I understand that body mass index (BMI) is one way to measure it, but how heavy does someone have to be to be considered obese? I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic. Best, ObesityResearcher

Top Replies

Hi ObesityResearcher, Great question! According to the World Health Organization, a person with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. However, it's important to note that BMI is just one measure and may not accurately reflect health status for everyone, especially athletes and those with a lot of muscle mass. Best, Admin

Hi again ObesityResearcher, Another useful tool for assessing obesity is waist circumference. Excessive abdominal fat is a significant risk factor for various health issues, regardless of BMI. For men, a waist circumference of 40 inches or more is considered high risk, while for women, it's 35 inches or more. Best, Admin

Hi ObesityResearcher, It's important to remember that obesity is a complex health issue with many contributing factors, including genetics, environment, and behavior. While BMI and waist circumference can provide useful information, they don't tell the whole story. That's why it's essential to focus on overall health and well-being, rather than just weight. Best, Admin