The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified obesity into different types based on body mass index (BMI), ranging from class I to class III. However, other organizations have subdivided them into categories such as “mild obesity” and “superobesity.” BMI does not account for body type and may not perfectly reflect a person’s health risks. Class III has the highest incidence of obesity-related health problems.
There are several standard types of obesity that have been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO), ranging from class I to class III, but have since been subdivided by other organizations into categories such as “mild obesity” and “superobesity” to provide a frame of reference. Because WHO standards do not extend to these subdivided categories, the exact body mass index (BMI) qualifications for each category can vary up to five points depending on the source. However, they can still provide useful information about the severity of each of the types of obesity.
The types of obesity established by WHO have been classified according to BMI, a method that measures whether a person’s weight is appropriate for their height by taking the person’s weight in kilograms and dividing by the square of their height in meters . It is important to note that although BMI is significantly correlated with the amount of body fat a person has, it does not account for body type and may not perfectly reflect a person’s health risks under certain circumstances. For example, a very muscular and fit individual may have a BMI that is considered obese even without excess body fat.
A normal BMI falls in the range of 18.5 to 24.99. People who have a BMI between 25 and 29.99 are considered overweight or “pre-obese.” While not technically obesity, individuals in this category should exercise caution and try to prevent any further weight gain, as this stage is associated with the onset of obesity-related diseases. For some people, an underlying disease could be causing the excess weight. It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment for such diseases at this stage before they cause the individual to progress to full-blown obesity.
Class I is the earliest and lowest of the true types of obesity. Individuals with a BMI between 30 and 34.99 would fall into this category. Class II includes BMIs from 35 to 39.99. Class III, or a BMI greater than 40, includes the subcategories of severe, morbid, and super obesity, in order of increasing severity.
Although even mild obesity has significant health risks, class III has the highest incidence of obesity-related health problems. Excess body fat and the sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies it can lead to a number of diseases including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Very obese individuals are also at increased risk of sleep apnea, liver disease and some cancers.
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