You may already be aware that the problem of obesity has reached levels that qualify it as a pandemic in the United States and other parts of the world, but you may not understand what being obese means.

Today we are going to explain what it means to be obese, and we will discuss class 2 obesity, which is the second level of the obesity classifications.

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What Does It Mean To Be Obese, And How Is It Determined?

Individuals who are obese weigh more than is considered healthy and are in danger of developing a serious chronic health condition. Often, these individuals are already experiencing medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Back in the 1830s, a Belgian gentleman who was a mathematician, astronomer, and statistician was interested in studying the traits of the population. He was not a medical professional, but he began gathering facts about the average “man” and human characteristics. He did this by recording their height and weight, and then came up with a calculation to determine the “ideal.” Years later, we are still using calculations that are based on his initial research to determine what is classified as a “healthy” weight in the form of the BMI, or body mass index chart.

What Is A High BMI?

The BMI chart indicates that anyone with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. There are different levels of obesity that correlate to how much extra weight the individual is carrying in excess of what is considered healthy.

1. Class 1 (obese) - BMI of 30 to 34.9;
2. Class 2 (severe obesity) - BMI of 35 to 39.9;
3. Class 3 (morbid obesity) - BMI of 40 to 49.9;
4. Class 4 (super-morbid obesity) - BMI of 50+.

The BMI chart is recognized worldwide as a tool of measurement and is used by medical professionals and insurance companies to determine eligibility for certain procedures and insurance coverage. According to the BMI chart, individuals with a BMI anywhere between 19 and 24.9 would be considered healthy and at their ideal weight. Those with BMI numbers between 25 and 29.9 would be considered overweight, and those with what is considered a high BMI of 30 or more would be classified as obese and more at risk for many metabolic health conditions.

There is much controversy about using this data to determine an individual’s baseline health because the studies were conducted on Caucasian European men, so the data is not inclusive of all ethnicities or genders. You might be thinking, “Why do we still use the BMI chart?” While it is not a perfectly accurate representation of a person’s health, it is all we have, and it is a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to classify individuals who are at risk for health issues.

The Different Levels Of Obesity

Obesity is divided into different levels of severity based on a person's body mass index (BMI). The higher the individual's obesity level, the more at risk they become for developing life-threatening conditions. Obesity is currently ranked 2nd in the U.S. as one of the top most preventable forms of premature death.

Individuals with mild obesity may experience joint pain, and become tired easily and their risk for metabolic conditions is increased. Individuals with moderate obesity are at a higher risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes as well as cardiac issues. Those who fall into the higher of these different levels of obesity become susceptible to very serious medical issues that may take their life, such as heart disease, stroke, and many different types of cancer.

Class 2 Obesity (ICD 10)

Class 2 obesity is also called severe obesity and is the second worst obesity classification on the BMI scale. Individuals who have a body mass index between 35 and 39.9 are considered severely obese. People who fall into this category have a higher risk of experiencing both physical and mental health risks. Some of the issues they might encounter include:

Serious Health Issues

• Diabetes de tipo 2;
• Hipertensión arterial;
• Enfermedad coronaria;
• Accidente cerebrovascular;
• Sleep Apnea;
• Cancer.

Psychological Issues

• Low self-esteem;
• Depression;
• Social stigma;
• Anxiety;
• Degrading relationships.

Mobility Issues

• Excess strain on joints;
• Musculoskeletal Issues;
• Back pain;
• Limits physical activity.

Decreased Life Expectancy

• Reduces life expectancy between 5 and 14 years due to serious medical conditions.

Increase In Medical Costs

• Frequent doctor visits;
• Prescription medications;
• Hospital stays.

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What Is The Best Treatment For Obesity Class 2?

The most effective treatment for class 2 obesity is weight loss and a reduction in your BMI level to a healthy range of between 18.5 and 24.9. Achieving significant weight loss will require making permanent lifestyle changes. These changes may include:

Healthy Eating

Modifying your eating habits will be one of the biggest contributors to reducing your weight. Most individuals who have reached the category of obese are in the habit of eating too much unhealthy food. Avoiding junk food, processed food, sugar-laden beverages, and high-calorie snacks in favor of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will help improve your health and reduce your BMI.

Regular Physical Activity

Living a sedentary life is another contributor to obesity. Reducing your weight and getting healthier will require you to get up and get moving. You will need to get some type of exercise every day, like walking, swimming, dancing, etc. You do not need to go to a gym to get exercise; anything that helps burn calories will work. Mowing the grass with a push mower, gardening, playing golf, etc.

If you are not accustomed to exercising, you can just start out slow with a nice walk around your neighborhood. Start out with 10 or 15 minutes a few times a day, and then add more time to your walks and ramp up your speed when you are able. Many individuals who had BMI numbers in the class 2 severe obesity range have lost 60 pounds or more by modifying their eating habits and walking.

Changing Some Habits

It may be surprising to some, but there are other things that can hinder successful weight loss. Changing some of your habits can help neutralize these obstacles and clear the way for a successful weight loss journey.

• Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night;
• Find a way to alleviate your stress;
• Drink plenty of water.

While these may seem to be benign suggestions, they are all very important when you are trying to lose weight because if you do not take them into consideration, they can keep you from achieving your goals. A lack of sleep leads to an increase in the production of the hormone that makes you feel hungry, and when stress builds up in your body, you end up with an abundance of cortisol, which triggers fat storage. Staying properly hydrated can help prevent your body from ending your hunger signals when you are actually thirsty, prevent you from overeating, and keep you feeling satisfied between meals.

Getting Some Help

Because obesity is a very complex disease and affects everyone a bit differently, you might find that no matter what you do, the pounds just refuse to leave. Getting help from a doctor who is expertly trained in obesity medicine can help you identify obstacles impeding your weight loss and help you overcome them so you can reach your goals. An expertly skilled gastroenterologist who is a weight loss expert like Dr. Steven Batash can not only determine what is holding you back but also perform a non-surgical procedure that can make your weight loss efforts count for more.

Have You Been Diagnosed With Class 2 Obesity?

Getting control over your class 2 obesity will require a lifelong commitment and making some significant changes to your lifestyle, but you don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with a team of experts like those at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center can provide the comprehensive and personalized approach to weight loss that you need to be successful.

You will be guided by professionals during your entire weight loss journey who will support you and help you stay on track. You will never be left to “figure it out” for yourself. Set up your personal consultation today. With the Batash team at your side, you can say goodbye to class 2 severe obesity!

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