What is the BMI classification for obese individuals?

The classification for obesity based on Body Mass Index (BMI) is established by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Individuals classified as obese have a BMI of 30 or higher. This categorization is vital for understanding health risks associated with excess weight, which can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

The definition of obesity is clear: a BMI of 30 or more indicates that a person has a higher than normal body fat percentage, suggesting the need for interventions to reduce health risks. The subcategories of obesity (such as class I and class II, which fall between 30 to 40 and 40 and higher, respectively) are indeed important for clinical practice, but the basic classification for obesity begins at the threshold of 30 kg/m².

This understanding allows healthcare professionals to identify individuals at risk and implement preventive or therapeutic strategies effectively.