What is Morbid Obesity?

Morbid obesity is a disease of excess weight which is chronic and lifelong. Excessive fat storage results into morbid obesity which increases the BMI (Body Mass Index) beyond 35.

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI or Body Mass Index is a measure of calculating a person’s excess weight. It is calculated by the following formula:

BMI = Weight (in Kilograms)/ Height (in Meters)2

Western Asian
Average built 21-25 18-22.5
Overweight 25-30 22.5-27.5
Obese 30-40 27.5-37.5
Morbidly obese <40 <37.5

How does morbid obesity differ from being overweight/obese?

  • Being overweight and obese are reversible conditions that can be treated by medical management whereas morbid obesity requires surgical intervention.
  • The body mechanisms that control a person’s weight are set in such a manner in the morbidly obese patient that they gain weight easily.
  • These patients find it difficult to lose weight and even more difficult to sustain.