Question

In order to be classified as morbidly obese, an adult must have a BMI of ______. a. less than 25 b. \(25-29.9\) c. \(30-39.9\) d. 40 or more

Short answer

d. 40 or more

Step-by-step solution

Understand BMI categories

The first step is understanding what the Body Mass Index (BMI) is and the different categories it's divided into. BMI is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. The exact boundaries can slightly vary per country and institution. The most commonly used categories are: Below 18.5 - Underweight, 18.5-24.9 - Normal weight, 25-29.9 - Overweight, 30-34.9 - Obese Class I (Moderate), 35-39.9 - Obese Class II (Severe), 40 or more - Obese Class III (Very Severe or Morbidly Obese).

Match the category

Using the provided options, match the correct category with 'morbidly obese'. 'Morbidly Obese' refers to the highest level of obesity, the most extreme. In the scale provided, this is a BMI of 40 or more.

Key concepts

Body Mass Index

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple yet powerful tool to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight relative to their height. It is widely used because it's easy to calculate and provides a quick indication of an individual's body fat. The formula to compute BMI is given by:\[ \text{BMI} = \frac{\text{weight in kilograms}}{(\text{height in meters})^2} \]This means you divide a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.
A higher BMI suggests greater levels of body fat, though it doesn't directly measure body fat percentage or distribution. Since BMI is a rough estimate, it should be supplemented with other assessments like waist circumference or diet evaluation.
It's important to note that BMI might not be accurate for everyone. For example, athletes with high muscle mass may have a higher BMI despite low body fat.

obesity classifications

Obesity classifications categorize BMI into ranges that help identify a person's weight status, which can be crucial for assessing health risks. These categories are an effective way to gauge whether weight-related health interventions might be necessary.
The BMI categories are typically defined as:

• Below 18.5: Underweight
• 18.5 - 24.9: Normal weight
• 25 - 29.9: Overweight
• 30 - 34.9: Obese Class I (Moderate)
• 35 - 39.9: Obese Class II (Severe)
• 40 or more: Obese Class III (Very Severe or Morbidly Obese)

Understanding these distinctions helps individuals and healthcare providers evaluate potential health risks. It also guides appropriate health advice and interventions.
These categories alert individuals to the need for potentially adjusting their lifestyle through changes in diet, physical activity, or medical intervention, especially when approaching or exceeding the upper boundaries.

morbid obesity

Morbid obesity is the most severe category of obesity, officially termed "Obese Class III." It represents individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher. This level of obesity poses significant health risks that shouldn't be ignored.
Morbid obesity significantly increases the risk of serious health conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Certain types of cancer
• Sleep apnea

It frequently affects mobility and quality of life, limiting a person's daily activities and potentially leading to psychological issues like depression or anxiety.
To manage or reduce morbid obesity, comprehensive approaches are crucial. These can involve dietary changes, increased physical activity, behavioral therapy, and sometimes medical or surgical interventions. It's important for individuals classified as morbidly obese to seek support from healthcare professionals to develop a tailored plan that meets their health needs.