Obesity Categories

Obesity
Obesity is a condition in which a person’s daily food consumption corresponds in more energy than the body can burn. Therefore, body weight and body mass of this person has increased more than the average normal person. The increased body mass is measured by BMI (Body Mass Index) and signifies obesity when it is higher than 30kg/m².

Morbid Obesity
The most severe state of obesity is defined as morbid obesity with BMI higher than 40kg/m². Morbid obesity is not usually a result of overeating rather than a result of genetic susceptibility. As a result patients suffering from this condition are unable to lose weight with either diet or exercise (Kopelman, 2000).

Morbid obesity is associated with many medical problems which appear mild at the beginning, but if left untreated can result in more severe medical conditions. Some of these are, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, depression, hypertension, obstructive sleep disorder, sleep apnea and hypoxemia (decreased blood saturation)(Barnes, et al 2000).

Type II Obesity
At this point, it is essential to mention that there is an intermediate category of obesity and morbid obesity defined by BMI of 35kg/m² and referred to as type II obesity. Type II obesity is treated surgically when there are at least two coexistent comorbid disorders present.