Obesity has reached pandemic levels around the world and is the second-leading cause of preventable premature death here in the United States. Statistics show that in the U.S. alone, almost half of the American adult population are classified as overweight or obese on the standard BMI scale. Obesity is broken down into different categories, which is important to know because the risks of developing chronic serious medical conditions increase dramatically once someone enters the morbidly obese range.
Around 10% of American adults are classified as morbidly obese, which means that 1 out of every 10 adults falls into the most serious obesity category. Sadly, children are also affected, with over 16% of American children considered overweight and 19% suffering from obesity. The difference between overweight vs. obese vs. morbidly obese goes beyond the number that shows up on the scale; these categories also are representative of how severely the excess weight can affect your health.
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Obese vs. Morbidly Obese BMI
Many individuals who struggle with obesity are also dealing with issues like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, etc., but those who are classified as morbidly obese or super obese have a much higher risk of even more serious complications.
The BMI chart was developed almost 200 years ago, using a calculation based on the individual's height and weight, as a fast way to place people into categories by their assumed level of health. It is not a precise way to accurately measure someone’s health, but it is inexpensive to use and fast and easy to do, so it is still used today.
Standard BMI Categories
- Underweight: below 18.5
- Healthy weight: 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: 25–29.9
- Obese Class I: 30–34.9
- Obese Class II: 35–39.9
- Obese Class III (Morbid Obesity): 40–49.9
- Obese Class IV (Super Obesity): 50 or higher
Overweight vs Obese vs Morbidly Obese
The terms overweight, obese, and morbidly obese describe different levels of classification that are calculated using the person’s weight in relation to their height. It does not use weight only because the results would vary greatly depending on how short or tall the individual was.
Several people can weigh the same amount but fall into very different BMI categories. This happens because BMI measures weight in relation to height, not just the number on the scale.
For example, we will compare three individuals who each weigh 160 pounds:
- A person who is 5’7” and weighs 160 pounds has a BMI of 25, which is just over the line into the overweight category.
- A person who is 5’1” and weighs 160 pounds has a BMI of 30, which falls into the obese category.
- A person who is only 4’8” and weighs 160 pounds has a BMI of about 36, which places them in the morbidly obese category.
Individuals who fall into the obese vs. morbidly obese categories are more likely to develop serious chronic health issues that are related to carrying excess weight.
How Do The Terms “Clinically Obese” vs. “Morbidly Obese” Compare?
“Clinically obese” is a medical term that is used to indicate a large category that includes anyone with a BMI of 30 or higher. This is the point where the individual's weight has reached a level that can negatively affect their health and includes:
As you can see from the chart above, the term “morbidly obese” is a term used to describe a subcategory of clinically obese and was historically used to describe an individual who has a BMI that is between 40 and 49.9. All morbidly obese individuals are considered clinically obese, but not all clinically obese individuals are morbidly obese. Today, the term “morbidly obese” is rarely used, and the term “class III obesity” is most often used to describe this category.
The label morbidly obese may have changed but the condition is still just as scary. It was originally used because the person’s weight had reached a point that their risk of experiencing a very serious health condition, including life-threatening complications, was very high, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Sleep apnea
- Joint pain and mobility issues
- Cancer
- Dementia
Changing the label to “class III” did not change the risks associated with these BMI numbers, and if you fall within these BMI ranges, you should seek help from a weight loss professional like Dr. Steven Batash with Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center.
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What Can Contribute To Obesity?
There are many different causes that can contribute to the development of obesity, including lifestyle choices like chronic overeating, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diet choices. But there are also other things that require medical intervention to overcome, such as:
- Genetics and your family history.
- Hormone imbalances.
- Certain medical conditions or medications you are routinely taking.
- Habits formed due to your culture and environment.
What Is The Best Way To Lose Weight For Obese vs. Morbidly Obese Individuals?
It is often extremely challenging or even impossible for an individual who has reached a BMI that is over 40 to lose weight without some type of medical intervention. There is little difference when comparing strategies for obese vs. morbidly obese individuals but weight loss works differently for everyone, so usually a combination of strategies used together will give you the best results. Some of the strategies that can help with weight loss include:
- Making lifestyle changes like practicing healthier eating habits and making physical activity part of your daily routine.
- Working with a therapist for support and guidance to help overcome challenges like emotional eating and to learn stress management and healthy coping skills.
- Using prescription medication along with your other strategies to reduce your appetite and improve the efficiency of your metabolism so your other efforts count for more.
- Undergoing an endoscopic weight loss procedure like Suture Sculpt ESG (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty) or having an Orbera or Spatz3 gastric balloon placed to reduce the capacity of your stomach so you eat less and stay full longer.
The Benefits of Losing Weight for an Obese vs. Morbidly Obese Individual
Losing weight can significantly improve the health of anyone who is obese or morbidly obese, with the difference being that for people who are classified as morbidly obese, the improvements they experience are often even more dramatic because their health risks are higher to begin with. Research has shown that even a very small amount of weight loss, such as 5% of your total weight, can lower your risk of serious medical conditions and improve your daily quality of life. Benefits can include:
- Lowering your blood pressure and reducing the strain on your heart.
- Providing better blood sugar control, which can improve or reverse type 2 diabetes.
- Improved cholesterol levels, which lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke
- Less joint pain and better mobility, which makes it easier to get enough physical activity in your schedule.
- Better quality of sleep and may reduce or eliminate sleep apnea.
- You will have more energy and experience less fatigue during the day so you can better carry out your normal schedule.
- It can help alleviate mood swings and symptoms of depression.
- It lowers your risk for certain cancers.
- It will improve your quality of life and can extend your life expectancy.
The difference weight loss can make for an obese vs. morbidly obese individual can be anywhere from life-changing to life-saving.
Where Can I Get Help for Obesity in NYC?
Dr. Steven Batash and his knowledge team at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center in New York City offer effective solutions for people struggling with obesity. You may be a good candidate for a non-surgical endoscopic procedure, prescription weight loss medication, and personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching.
Losing weight when you have a higher BMI is extremely difficult to do by yourself. You need expert help to determine the best solution to break through the obstacles that have been holding you back. Dr. Batash will work with his team to create a plan of care that is customized for your needs and circumstances and will provide you with the highest level of support so you can reach your weight loss goals and improve your health. Set up a consultation with Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center today to learn more and get started on the road to a healthier future and improved quality of life.
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