Obesity is diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. To calculate BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide by your height in inches squared. Or calculate it online. Athletes and others who are muscular sometimes have a BMI in the obese category due to the fact that BMI doesn’t measure your body fat.
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 and Higher | Obese |
| 40 and Higher | Extreme Obesity |
Obesity is influenced by behavior, genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors. In addition to weight gain, individuals also suffer from obesity-related health complications, ranging from minor to life-threatening.
These disorders, which become worse as weight increases, can include:
Surgery with long-term proper nutrition and exercise programs can improve or resolve the most serious problems. For example, adult-onset diabetes in connection with weight gain is improved in more than 90 percent of patients, with 80 percent becoming medication free.
Seriously overweight or obese individuals who want to lose a significant amount of weight should consult a physician before starting a weight-loss program. At UT Southwestern, our weight-loss specialists provide individualized patient support, including nutritional and psychological counseling, dieting oversight, guidance in deciding which surgical option to choose, and long-term goals for care.