Underweight
—
BMI 10.0-18.5
Being underweight could be a sign you're not eating enough or that
you may be ill. If you're underweight, contact your general
practitioner for further evaluation.
Normal weight
—
BMI 18.5-25.0
The medical community recommends that you keep your weight within
this range.
Pre-obesity
—
BMI 25.0-30.0
* The term ‘pre-obesity’ was previously classified as
‘overweight’ by the World Health Organization (WHO)
People who fall into
this category may be at risk of developing obesity.
They might also be at risk of developing other health
problems, or that their current health problems may worsen.
The recommendation is to consult a healthcare provider trained
in obesity management.
There are two
recommendations for people who fall into the pre-obesity
category, which are recommended by European and American
clinical guidelines for obesity management in adults.
The recommendation
for people with a BMI of between 25.0 and 29.9 and
who do not have weight-related health problems (i.e. high
blood pressure or high cholesterol) is to prevent further
weight gain through healthy eating and increased physical activity.
For people with a BMI
of between 27 and 29.0, and who also have
weight-related health problems, the recommendation is to
lose weight by combining lifestyle interventions and
anti-obesity medications to achieve weight loss and improve
health and quality of life.
Obesity I
—
BMI 30.0-35.0
People who have BMI equal or over 30 may have obesity, which is
defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that may harm
health. Today a number of
health organisations recognise obesity as a chronic, but manageable disease.
World Health Organisation and other health organisations
distinguish three classes of obesity:
Obesity
Classification | BMI |
Class I | 30.0–34.9 |
Class II | 35.0–39.9 |
Class III | Above 40 |
The BMI ranges are based on the effect excessive body fat has
on individual’s health, life expectancy and risk of developing
diseases; as BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases.
It is recommended that people with a BMI equal or above 30
consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity management for
diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of obesity and
weight-related health complications.
The goal of managing and treating obesity is not simply to lose
weight, but instead to improve health and lower the risks of other
health complications. Losing even a modest amount of weight, such as
five percent of body weight or more, and maintaining this weight loss,
can improve overall wellbeing, while also reducing the risk of
weight-related complications.
There is a range of scientifically proven treatment options for
obesity that may be recommended depending on individual needs, health
status and the presence or absence of weight-related complications.
Treatment may include a combination of the following options**:
* Bariatric surgery is generally considered for people
with a BMI of over 35 who also have weight-related
complications. It is also generally considered for
people with a BMI of 40 or above.
** Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for
the advice of a healthcare provider. If you have any
questions regarding your health, you should contact your
general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.
Obesity II
—
BMI 35.0-40.0
People who have BMI equal or over 30 may have obesity, which is
defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that may harm
health. Today a number of
health organisations recognise obesity as a chronic, but manageable disease.
World Health Organisation and other health organisations
distinguish three classes of obesity:
Obesity
Classification | BMI |
Class I | 30.0–34.9 |
Class II | 35.0–39.9 |
Class III | Above 40 |
The BMI ranges are based on the effect excessive body fat has
on individual’s health, life expectancy and risk of developing
diseases; as BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases.
It is recommended that people with a BMI equal or above 30
consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity management for
diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of obesity and
weight-related health complications.
The goal of managing and treating obesity is not simply to lose
weight, but instead to improve health and lower the risks of other
health complications. Losing even a modest amount of weight, such as
five percent of body weight or more, and maintaining this weight loss,
can improve overall wellbeing, while also reducing the risk of
weight-related complications.
There is a range of scientifically proven treatment options for
obesity that may be recommended depending on individual needs, health
status and the presence or absence of weight-related complications.
Treatment may include a combination of the following options**:
* Bariatric surgery is generally considered for people
with a BMI of over 35 who also have weight-related
complications. It is also generally considered for
people with a BMI of 40 or above.
** Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for
the advice of a healthcare provider. If you have any
questions regarding your health, you should contact your
general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.
Obesity III
—
BMI 40.0-50.0
People who have BMI equal or over 30 may have obesity, which is
defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that may harm
health. Today a number of
health organisations recognise obesity as a chronic, but manageable disease.
World Health Organisation and other health organisations
distinguish three classes of obesity:
Obesity Classification
| BMI |
Class I | 30.0–34.9 |
Class II | 35.0–39.9 |
Class III | Above 40 |
The BMI ranges are based on the effect excessive body fat has on
individual’s health, life expectancy and risk of developing diseases;
as BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases.
It is recommended that people with a BMI equal or above 30
consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity management for
diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of obesity and
weight-related health complications.
The goal of managing and treating obesity is not simply to lose
weight, but instead to improve health and lower the risks of other
health complications. Losing even a modest amount of weight, such as
five percent of body weight or more, and maintaining this weight loss,
can improve overall wellbeing, while also reducing the risk of
weight-related complications.
There is a range of scientifically proven treatment options for
obesity that may be recommended depending on individual needs, health
status and the presence or absence of weight-related complications.
Treatment may include a combination of the following options**:
* Bariatric surgery is generally considered for people
with a BMI of over 35 who also have weight-related
complications. It is also generally considered for
people with a BMI of 40 or above.
** Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for
the advice of a healthcare provider. If you have any
questions regarding your health, you should contact your
general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.
