What is Considered Obese in This Day and Age?

Obesity is a simple term that comes with many complex health conditions. Being obese isn’t just being overweight. Many people have come to believe this misconception. So what is considered obese, exactly? Simply put, people are considered obese with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or more.

There’s never a bad time to prioritize your health. If you are overweight and have been for a long time, health complications could follow. The good news is you can turn your life around by taking proactive steps for your health. The first step is understanding what obesity is and whether you fall into the category.

How Do You Know if You Are Obese?

Just because you are overweight doesn’t mean you are obese. If your BMI is in the range of 25-29.9, then you are simply considered overweight. At this point, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about certain lifestyle changes. The BMI for obesity is above 30, and you might need to take other actions if yours is at that level.

Qualifications for Being Morbidly Obese

Being morbidly obese means your BMI is above 40. This is typically associated with being between 80 to 100 pounds overweight. However, a BMI of 35-39.9 with a severe health condition can also be considered morbidly obese.

Morbid obesity often qualifies you for procedures like bariatric surgery. If no other natural options work for you, then bariatric surgery can help get your weight under control. Of course, speaking to your doctor is the first thing you should do. Understanding your options, risks, and potential results can help you make informed decisions.

Health Risks Associated With Obesity

Obesity is linked to many different health risks. Whether you are obese or morbidly obese, you are at risk of developing the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Gallbladder disease
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Stroke
• And more

Getting your weight under control can significantly reduce your chances of developing these conditions. Steady and consistent lifestyle changes can make a world of difference in helping get your weight under control.

What Causes Obesity?

So what are the main causes of obesity? For one, eating too many calories over the recommended amount can lead to weight gain. And when those calories include saturated fat, sodium, and refined grains, it can lead to obesity.

Another cause of obesity is living a sedentary lifestyle. It’s vital to move around to burn excess calories, and unfortunately, too many people don’t move enough. With remote work becoming more of the norm, people don’t get out and exercise as much. You should exercise at least 30 minutes per day to reduce your chances of obesity.

Lack of sleep can also contribute to being obese. Working late night shifts or traveling constantly can disrupt sleep patterns. And when those sleep patterns are disturbed, weight gain can occur. We all lead extremely busy lives. Because of this, prioritizing our health has become more difficult than ever before.

Talk To Your Doctor If You Are Overweight or Obese

When you have a doctor you trust, speak to them about ways you can get your weight under control. If obesity has plagued you for a while, then procedures like bariatric surgery might be a great option.

BASS Bariatric Surgery Center provides top-of-the-line bariatric surgery to patients who need it most. We will take the time to understand your concerns and goals and provide you with the best options available. Our team is experienced and willing to help you on your weight loss journey. Start the process today by contacting us to schedule a consultation.