What is obesity

WHAT IS OBESITY?

Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body’s skeletal and physical standards. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk.
Today 97 million Americans, more than one-third of the adult population, are overweight or obese. An estimated five to 10 million of those are considered morbidly obese.
Although most people have a general understanding that being obese means being significantly overweight, the actual definition of obesity is more complex. Currently, the measure most commonly used is BMI. BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is a number that’s found by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters, squared. Here at Long Island Bariatric, we help patients calculate their BMI. Alternatively, you can use our BMI calculator here to easily find your own BMI.

BMI Range Official Designation
Under 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 Ideal weight
25 – 29.9 Overweight
30 – 34.9 Obese
35 – 39.9 Severely Obese
40 – 49.9 Morbidly Obese
50+ Super Obese

Morbid obesity is a phrase you will hear when learning about obesity treatment options. The typical definition of morbid obesity is an adult with a BMI over 40, or a BMI over 35 if they have a related health condition. These health conditions, known as comorbidities, add to the difficulties of living with of obesity. They can include high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, GERD, Type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis.

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