BMI, the index that defines whether a person is obese
Obesity is measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI). It corresponds to a person’s weight divided by his or her height squared.
According to Health Canada, a person with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.
Types of obesity and related risks
Three sub-categories of obesity are defined according to the level of risk of developing a health problem.
Type I obesity: from overweight to obese, with a high health risk
Individuals with a BMI between 30 and 35 face a substantial risk of developing health problems.
It is necessary to be followed by a doctor and to closely monitor your lifestyle in order to lose weight or, at the very least, to avoid slipping into a more advanced state of obesity.
Type II obesity: obesity is considered severe, with a very high risk of disease
This applies to individuals with a BMI between 35 and 40, we enter the field of severe obesity, with an overweight of one hundred pounds or more. In Quebec, the number of people exceeding this threshold is estimated at 3% of the population (i.e., more than 200,000 people). Medical follow-up is essential in order to reduce and even preferably eliminate this excessive fat mass threatening our balance, our health and perhaps even, in the long term, our survival. The family, social and professional environment also has a critical role to play in supporting, encouraging, and accompanying.
Type III obesity: obesity is considered irreversible
For individuals with a BMI equal to or greater than 40, the disease poses an extremely high health risk. The disease is then considered irreversible and bariatric surgery is generally the only possible option to minimize the risks and restore a good quality of life. Exercise no longer allows you to lose weight, but the bariatric course requires good behavioural and nutritional preparation.
The list of high-risk complications associated with it is long:
- Type 2 diabetes and abnormal lipidemia;
- Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases;
- Problems related to the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder;
- Musculoskeletal problems related to the joints;
- Problems related to the reproductive system (menstruation, infertility, impotence);
- Obstructive sleep apnea;
- Certain types of cancer, in particular digestive or hormone dependent.