Definition of Obesity
The definition of obesity in medicine, is the "excessive accumulation of body fat or adiposity to a level that could result in dangerous health consequences, and reduction in one's life expectancy". Obesity is a continuum in the spectrum of disease ranging from being overweight, obese, severely obese and morbidly obese. The exact definition of obesity and how obese one is, is calculated by the measurement of one's BMI (body mass index), and or waist circumference. It is calculated by dividing your weight measured in kilograms by the square of your height measured in meters. To calculate your BMI for example, measure your weight in Kg, and height in meters. What did you get? Now multiply the value your height by your height again to get your height squared (for example 1.8m X 1.8m = 3.24m) and then divide your weight (for example 80Kg) by the result (i.e. 80Kg รท 3.24 = 24.69). So if you weighed 80kg, and you are 1.8meters tall, your BMI is 24.69 or 24.69Kg/m2. You can easily find BMI calculators to use to calculate your ideal weight for your height or to know if you are overweight. One must mention quickly that the measurement of BMI does not always reflect the true level of how much fat one has. If you are very muscular, your weight may be too much for your height, as a result of bulky muscles rather than fat, thus giving a false impression of a high BMI. So a BMI reading must be taken with caution, and best interpreted by a doctor or weight expert. The measurement of weight circumference in the definition of obesity is straight forward. It is ONLY useful in those with BMI of less than 30. You can measure your weight circumference by using a standard measuring tape. To get the correct weight circumference measurement, you need to know the right landmark to start. Find the midway between your lowest rib bone on the sides and the top of your hip bone. This is usually at a level just above your umbilicus or belly button. Measure the diameter of your waist at that level.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the United States of America no longer defines obesity in terms of severely obese and morbidly obese, but prefers to classify obesity based on BMI, waist circumference and associated disease risk as:
In the definition of obesity, with overweight being in that spectrum as mentioned above, you are considered medically or scientifically overweight if:
Your risk of developing complications start to increase at this point (actually starts to manifest from a BMI of 27) If you get onto moderate exercise, dieting and lifestyle modification at this stage, you are most likely to succeed in conquering this emerging dangerous disease called obesity with its crippling effects. You will only require the use of medications or weight loss pills prescription by your doctor at BMI of 27 to 30 ONLY if you have already develop a complication of obesity.
Grade I obesity used to be termed simply as being obese in the old definition of obesity. You are said to be have GradeI obesity if:
Your risk of developing diabetes at this level dramatically increases from 5 to 9 fold! So too is your risk of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, and snoring at night, and not enjoying your sleep making you feel sleepy during the day. You need firm action here. Moderate to high intensity exercise, obesity diets, and lifestyle modifications as well as the introduction of weight loss pills is advocated to overcome obesity at this level.
Grade two or grade II obesity is what used to be referred to as severe obesity in the old definition of obesity. You are said to have a grade two obesity if:
At this level of obesity, it is most likely that the health risks of obesity have started to develop. If not major ones like diabetes, disruptive and painful complications like joint pain, snoring at night, low energy levels, low self esteem and depression may witnessed. Low to moderate intensity exercises, dieting and the use of prescription pills for obesity is required, along with compulsory lifestyle modifications. Where any major co-morbidity or complications of being overweight like diabetes is noted, bariatric surgery like gastric banding is needed alongside the above measures (lifestyle modifications, diet, exercise programs).
Grade three obesity or grade III obesity used to be referred to as morbid obesity. The term morbid obesity was dropped, as it is seen as a prejudging definition of obesity at this level. While it is true that many people with this grade of obesity would have complications, it is better to see this individuals and assess them on personal basis if they really have developed a morbidity or complication. Grade 3 obesity is defined by a BMI of:
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases by up to 50 times at this stage of obesity. Other potential health risks of obesity that can be developed at this stage include cancer of the gullet, breast, prostate, colon, stomach, heart attack, stroke, and a vast list of other complications including social stigmatization and isolation. Treatment choice? Diet, life style modifications, low intensity exercises, and bariatric surgery. Do not let your definition of obesity be made by friends or others. If you have any of the grade of obesity definition, go and see your doctor. Start addressing the issue with expert support. Don't suppose it is all your fault and one you should handle yourself. You may be surprised by the assistance you could get.
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