Today, being overweight and obesity are accepted all over the world as diseases that significantly affect our health and pose a danger. According to the 2017 data of the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 4 million people died in the world due to being overweight and obesity. This number is increasing every year and has turned into a global health problem, even an epidemic, that cannot be ignored.

There are differences between overweight and obesity types. According to the information and data announced by the World Health Organization and health experts, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is primarily looked at in order for a person to be considered as overweight and/or obese.

Who’s Obese? 

Am I Obese?

In its shortest definition, obesity is the accumulation of so much fat in our body that it threatens our health. 

Body Mass Index of an adult*. 

•  Normal weight if between 18.5 – 24.9
•  Overweight if between 25 – 29.9
• Between 30 and more considered obese.

The simple calculation formula for your Body Mass Index is as follows:

Body Weight (kg) / Height Squared (m)

BMI = kg / m2

Of course, not everyone with a high body mass index is overweight or obese. For example, people with a lot of muscle may have a high BMI. In addition, age, gender, lifestyle, daily habits, diet of the person, income levels and demographics are also important criteria for the diagnosis of obesity.

The measurement of the fat ratio in the hips and waist is also one of the factors that show whether the person is considered obese. excess fat accumulation in these areas can also give us an idea about diseases that may develop due to obesity.

Types/Classes of Obesity

Body mass index above 30 and high fat mass ratios etc. in terms of criteria, people who are at risk of diseases that may develop due to overweight are defined as obese.

Over time, there has been a need for a more detailed categorization of obesity in itself. Accordingly, obesity is divided into 3 separate classes considering body mass index. 

• BMI 30.0 – 34.9 Obesity Class I  / Moderate Obesity (High health risk)
• BMI 35.0 – 39.9 Obesity Class II  / Severe Obesity (Very high health risk)
• BMI  ≥ 40 Class III / Morbid Obesity (Extremely high health risk)

* BMI applies to most adults between the ages of 18-65 according to general acceptance. However, this calculation method is very crudely constructed. Your specialist doctor will perform the necessary tests and examinations and apply a personalized treatment program.