Underweight

If your BMI is below 18.5, you are considered underweight. Being underweight can lead to various health problems such as a poorly functioning immune system, decreased bone density, fertility issues, and malnutrition. Being underweight can have various causes, including a poor diet, illnesses, and disorders.

It is always a good idea to consult with a professional about any concerns you may have regarding your weight and overall well-being, as they can provide personalized guidance and support.

Normal Weight

If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, you are considered to have a normal weight. Maintaining a normal weight is desirable for health, as it reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. However, it’s important to note that BMI is not a perfect measure of health, and other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions should be considered.

It is always advisable to discuss any concerns you may have about your weight and general well-being with a professional, as they can offer personalized guidance and support.

Overweight

If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you are considered overweight. Overweight individuals have an increased risk of health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, specific types of cancers, sleep apnea, and musculoskeletal issues.

It is crucial to consider that health risks can vary and are influenced by factors such as age, gender, and family history. If you are concerned about your health due to being overweight, seeking guidance from professionals with expertise in working with individuals with obesity is recommended.

Obesity Class I

BMI over 30 to 34.9 indicates the presence of obesity. Increased obesity further raises the likelihood of developing obesity-related complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, specific types of cancers, sleep apnea, and musculoskeletal problems.

As obesity increases, it becomes more challenging for many individuals to lose weight and maintain weight loss over the long term. Health risks can vary and are influenced by factors such as age, gender, and family history.

If you have concerns about your health due to obesity, consulting with professionals experienced in working with individuals with obesity is always a good idea.

Obesity Class II

If your BMI is over 35 to 39.9, it indicates the presence of second-degree obesity. This means that obesity is significant, and the risk of developing obesity-related complications further increases. Complications of obesity can include diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, specific types of cancers, sleep apnea, and musculoskeletal issues.

As obesity increases, it becomes more challenging for many individuals to lose weight and maintain weight loss over the long term. Health risks can vary and are influenced by factors such as age, gender, and family history.

If you have concerns about your health due to obesity, consulting with professionals experienced in working with individuals with obesity is always a good idea.

Obesity Class III

BMI over 40 indicates severe obesity. This means that obesity is significant, and the risk of developing obesity-related complications further increases. Complications of obesity can include diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, specific types of cancers, sleep apnea, and musculoskeletal issues.

As obesity increases, it becomes more challenging for many individuals to lose weight and maintain weight loss over the long term. Health risks can vary and are influenced by factors such as age, gender, and family history.

If you have concerns about your health due to obesity, consulting with professionals experienced in working with individuals with obesity is always a good idea.

References:

1. Who og BMI. https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/a-healthy-lifestyle—who-recommendations
2. Ng M, Fleming T, Robinson M, et al. Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet. 2014;384(9945):766-81. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60460-8
3. The Global BMI Mortality Collaboration. Body-mass index and all-cause mortality: individual-participant-data meta-analysis of 239 prospective studies in four continents. Lancet. 2016;388(10046):776-86. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30175-1
4. NCD Risk Factor Collaboration. Trends in adult body-mass index in 200 countries from 1975 to 2014: a pooled analysis of 1698 population-based measurement studies with 19.2 million participants. Lancet. 2016;387(10026):1377-96. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30054-X.
5. Bhaskaran K, dos-Santos-Silva I, Leon DA, et al. Association of BMI with overall and cause-specific mortality: a population-based cohort study of 3·6 million adults in the UK. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018;6(12):944-53. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(18)30288-2.
6. Lu Y, Hajifathalian K, Ezzati M, et al. Metabolic mediators of the effects of body-mass index, overweight, and obesity on coronary heart disease and stroke: a pooled analysis of 97 prospective cohorts with 1·8 million participants. Lancet. 2014;383(9921):970-83. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61836-X.