Over the past 20 years, the statistics surrounding obesity have continued to get worse, and this condition has now been classified as a global pandemic and is affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. This serious condition happens when an individual's body fat percentage rises so high that it affects their health and causes it to decline.

The word obesity is used to define different categories on a standard BMI chart that is recognized universally around the world. This chart is used by the World Health Organization (WHO), medical professionals, medical insurance companies, and others who work in the field of healthcare to place individuals into categories using their height and weight to assess their potential for increased health risks.

Obesity is divided into different categories with morbid obesity (class 3 obesity) being one of the most serious health conditions that exists today. In fact, in the United States obesity ranks second on the list of most preventable types of premature death.

Today, we are going to talk about the BMI numbers that fall into the categories indicating obesity, and specifically the BMI considered morbidly obese. We will talk about what can contribute to obesity, the risks, and where those who currently have a morbidly obese BMI can find help.

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What BMI Is Considered Morbidly Obese?

Morbid obesity is a term that describes one out of several different levels of obesity as listed on the standard BMI chart. It is meant to be a representation of a person’s percentage of body fat and indicate how likely they are to experience serious health issues due to excess body fat. This BMI number is calculated using the person's height and weight but it is not very accurate. It is still used today because it is easy to use and does not involve expensive tests.

Most medical professionals use this number as a starting point and then look at things like body composition, gender, distribution of fat, and ethnicity to determine if the person is considered morbidly obese.

BMI Classification for Morbid Obesity

Many people wonder “What is morbid obesity? It is a classification that was historically found on older BMI charts. This category has since been renamed to “class 3 obesity.” The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have established BMI ranges to classify various levels of obesity, including morbid obesity. The classification is as follows:

• Normal Weight: BMI less than 25.0;
• Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9;
• Obesity Class I: BMI between 30.0 and 34.9;
• Obesity Class II: BMI between 35.0 and 39.9;
• Obesity Class III (Morbid Obesity): BMI 40.0 or higher.

Morbid obesity falls within Obesity Class III, which is the most severe form of obesity. Individuals classified with morbid obesity, or a BMI of over 39.5, have a significantly higher risk of developing obesity-related health conditions.

According to our online BMI calculator, a 300 pound woman who is 5’ 6” has a morbid obesity BMI number of 48.4. This morbidly obese woman is in danger of developing several serious health conditions that may end her life if she does not seek medical intervention.

If you would like to easily calculate your BMI, this handy online BMI calculator will do all the math for you.

How to Determine Someone As Morbidly Obese?

Morbid obesity is not just determined by an individual's BMI but it basically means your weight has reached a point where it poses serious health risks and can potentially result in premature death.

Because body fat affects people in different ways, you cannot always tell if someone is morbidly obese just by looking at one number or measurement. A doctor is the only one who can determine the percentage of body fat someone is carrying and provide them with an accurate understanding of their weight and the potential health risks. If you are carrying excess weight and your BMI is classified in the obese category, it is important to seek medical intervention quickly to help get your weight under control.

What Can Cause An Individual To Reach A Morbidly Obese BMI?

Everyone is different and obesity is a complex disease, so there are many reasons a person can reach a morbidly obese BMI, including:

Eating An Unhealthy Diet:

Consuming a large amount of unhealthy foods can lead to weight gain. If an individual continually consumes more calories than their body needs for energy it will result in a buildup of excess fat. An example of some unhealthy foods include:

• High-calorie food that is low in nutritional value;
• Food full of saturated fats
• Sugar-filled snack foods
• Processed foods
• Fast food

Living A Sedentary Lifestyle

If you do not get enough exercise to balance out your intake of calories you will gain weight. Losing or maintaining a healthy weight requires that a calorie deficit is created, meaning you need to burn more calories than you eat. Living a sedentary lifestyle will not provide you enough opportunities to burn calories and will make it easier for you to gain weight.

Your Genetics

Everyone has their own set of genetic components that make them who they are and some of these can influence a person's metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, which can increase their susceptibility to gain weight or become obese.

Your Environment

Sometimes, your environment can make it easier for you to gain weight, such as easy access to high-calorie foods, larger portion sizes, and a lifestyle that does not include enough exercise. Some individuals do not have access to healthy foods, or communities that offer walking trails, or bike paths etc.Also, If you think about it, back in the 60’s people cooked meals at home, kids played outside, people worked more physical jobs, and even housework required more effort. The modern conveniences of today and quick serve processed foods have changed the average American’s environment and obesity rates have skyrocketed.

Psychological Reasons

Emotions such as stress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem can lead certain people to overeat or use food to help them cope with their circumstances. This is often called eating your emotions and can cause weight gain and morbid obesity.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions like hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can make maintaining a healthy weight impossible. Also, certain medications can cause side effects including weight gain or make it hard for the individual to lose weight.

Health Problems And Risks Associated With A Morbidly Obese BMI

Morbid obesity can affect both your physical and mental health in many ways. Excess weight can cause your joints to break down and make it painful or difficult for you to get around.

It can also place a huge strain on your body’s organs and vital systems, which can cause permanent damage or lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and more.

Carrying excess weight can also create fertility issues and inhibit a woman’s ability to become pregnant or carry a baby full-term. Additionally, morbid obesity can take an emotional toll on those who suffer from it, which causes them to be depressed and have low self-esteem, which often leads to social isolation.

How Can Class 3 Obesity Affect Life Expectancy

Class 3 obesity was formerly known as morbid obesity but the title was changed to help lessen the negative stigma and connotations of the word “morbid.” The ironic thing is that in the medical community the word “morbid” comes from a Latin word (morbidus), which means conditions that are associated with illness, disease, or risk of serious health complications.

Regardless of what they call this category of obesity, individuals’ with class 3 obesity life expectancy can be reduced by anywhere between 6 and 14 years depending on how old they are, their gender and other health conditions they are experiencing. The higher their BMI, the more risk they are for dying prematurely from a heart attack, stroke, or other obesity-related conditions. Individuals with class 3 obesity life expectancy can improve significantly if they lose weight

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Treatment and Management To Lower A Morbidly Obese BMI

Morbid obesity is a serious level of obesity that can significantly affect an individual’s health and their quality of life. Everyone’s experience with obesity is different and there are many underlying conditions and elements that can cause someone to become morbidly obese.

Individuals who are struggling with morbid obesity should seek medical guidance and support just like they would for any other disease. A doctor who is specially trained in obesity management understands how complex this disease is and can create a weight loss plan that is tailored just for them, taking their circumstances into consideration. They will help them with a weight loss plan that offers them a wide range of tools, strategies, guidance, and professional assistance.

Their plan may involve a team of professionals such as a dietician, a psychologist, a nutritionist, etc. Working with weight loss professionals like those at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center can provide you with access to help with dietary modifications, exercise guidance, behavior therapy, counseling, weight loss medication, and in some cases, an endoscopic weight loss procedure.

Where Can I Go For Help For My Morbidly Obese BMI?

At Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, we can develop a personalized plan based on your individual needs and goals. Dr. Steven Batash has over thirty years of experience helping individuals safely and effectively lose weight and regain their health. Take a look at just one of many success stories of our patient who lowered her morbidly obese BMI into a healthy range!

https://youtube.com/shorts/-6kaDpJFmRg

The professionals at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center in NYC understand the BMI classification of morbid obesity and its related comorbidities. We understand that it is virtually impossible for a morbidly obese individual to reduce their BMI without medical intervention.

Our obesity-trained experts can offer non-surgical endoscopic weight loss tools such as Suture Sculpt ESG or the weight loss balloon to reduce the capacity of their stomachs and promote satiety. These tools, combined with our comprehensive approach to changing lifestyle behaviors, will lead to sustainable weight loss and improved health. Additionally, you will not be facing this journey alone; we will be here every step of the way, supporting you and helping you reach your weight loss goals.

The first step in regaining your health is to recognize the severity of your condition and take that first proactive step toward getting your health back on track. Set up your consultation today to learn more about your options for sustainable weight loss.

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