What does it really mean to be 'morbidly obese'?

I've been hearing the term 'morbidly obese' more often these days, and I'm curious what it actually means in terms of health and weight. Can someone explain?

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Sure thing! 'Morbid obesity' is a term used to describe a person who has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. This level of obesity puts individuals at a much greater risk for developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.

It's important to note that someone can be considered 'severely obese' with a BMI of 35-39.9, but they may not have as many health complications as someone who is morbidly obese. However, severe obesity still significantly increases the risk for developing chronic conditions compared to people at a healthy weight.

While these categories can be helpful for understanding the health risks associated with obesity, it's also crucial to remember that everyone is unique. Obesity is a complex health issue, and treatment often involves addressing underlying factors like mental health, lifestyle, and genetics, rather than just focusing on weight loss alone.