Obesity and BMI

Obesity is defined as excess body fat, not just excess weight. It is measured by a ratio of height and weight, which can be determined using a body mass index (BMI) chart.

The higher your BMI, the more likely you are to experience serious - or life threatening - health problems.

Click here to calculate your BMI.

What does my number mean?

20 - 25 is normal
26 - 29 is overweight
30 - 39 is obese
40 - 49 is morbidly obese
over 50 is super morbidly obese

Clinically severe, or morbid, obesity is determined by a BMI of 40 or higher. People who suffer from clinically severe obesity are generally 100 pounds or more above their ideal weight and often are plagued with serious - or life threatening - health problems.

While the BMI calculator can give you a good indication of your body mass index, it's important to note that BMI varies with age, gender, race and physical build.