Classification of Obesity

BMI is one of the most effective, easiest, and cheapest options for researchers to use for Classification of Obesity (NB: See the free BMI calculator) at the population level, which is extremely important for medical research.

Moreover, a high body mass index BMI is correlated with higher body fat levels which consider as a risk factor, and studies have shown BMI can be an accurate way to determine disease and mortality risk in individuals.

How can BMI ranges have used in Classification of Obesity ?

Factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass can influence the relationship between BMI and body fat.

Why overweight and obesity consider as health problems?

Based on many clinical studies people who are classified as obese and/or overweight have been shown to be at a significantly at greater risk of early death and developing chronic diseases than those people who are classified within the “normal” body weight range.

As having a high ratio of body fat to muscle puts strain on both your bones and your internal vital organs. It also my predisposes to the inflammation in the body, which is thought to be a risk factor for cancer.

Obesity has been linked to several health complications, some of which can be life threatening if not treated:

·       type 2 diabetes

·       heart disease

·       high blood pressure

·       certain cancers (breast, colon, and endometrial)

·       stroke

·       dementia

·       gallbladder disease

·       fatty liver disease

·       high cholesterol

·       sleep apnea and other breathing problems

·       asthma

·       arthritis

·       infertility

·       erectile dysfunction

·       kidney disease

·       gout

·       blood clots

Meanwhile, people who are classified as underweight are also more at risk of early death and developing disease.

Why Does the Definition and Classification of Obesity Matter?

Making a specific diagnosis of obesity and its degree allows medical providers to prioritize the level of health risk for their patient. The higher the level of excess weight, the higher the risk of serious health problems, disability and risk of early death for that patient. It also helps to identify eligibility for treatment options available such as weight loss surgery or medications and choose the best fit for every patient. As long as treating and reducing body weight and maintaining that loss can help to improve or reverse many of these health problems.

Does BMI alone be an accurate and enough measure?

Like any other measure it is not perfect because it is only dependent on height and weight and it does not take into consideration different levels of adiposity based on age, physical activity levels and sex.

For this reason, it is expected that it overestimates adiposity in some cases and underestimates it in others.  

Other more accurate measures of body fat and body fat distribution include:

• Skinfold thickness tests

• Waist size: women with a waist size greater than 35 inches (89 centimeters) and men with a waist size greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters) have an increased risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

• Waist-to-hip comparisons: 

Waist to hip involves two measurements and is cheap and easy to administer on large populations.

The ratio highlights if excess weight is again stored around the waist resulting in increased risk of comorbidities.

Males with a waist to height ratio >1.0 and,

Females with a weight to height ratio >0.85 are considered to be at increased risk. 

People with "apple-shaped" bodies (waist is bigger than the hips) also have an increased risk for these conditions.

screening tests, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans

Your doctor may also order certain tests to help diagnose obesity-related health risks. These may include:

• blood tests to examine cholesterol and glucose levels
• liver function tests
• a diabetes screening
• thyroid tests
• heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A measurement of the fat around your waist is also a good predictor of your risk for obesity-related diseases.

Association between WC and health risks is not an easy task and should be done scientifically using proper techniques.

Why overweight and obesity consider global pandemic?

Globally, there are 1.5 billion adults who are either overweight or obese, a number expected to increase to 3 billion by 2030. The epidemic is reaching catastrophic proportions, and one of the key-if small- steps to bringing it under control is to have a common language to describe the problem.

Based on the prevalence data, both world health organization and policy maker should devote the related resources to tackle this serious progressing problem.