We often use Body Mass Index or BMI to "measure" obesity

 

BMI is a number calculated based on your height and weight. 

BMI is not a perfect measure of obesity as it does not account for factors like muscle vs. fat, and does not reflect the importance of different types of fat within the body. For instance, the amount of fat someone carries around their waist is particularly important and tends to be associated with more serious health complications.

Despite the limitations of BMI, it is the currently accepted measurement, and the one used by insurance companies when they make decisions about weight loss surgery coverage.  

BMI Calculator Calculate your BMI

Height in Inches
Weight in Lbs


Your BMI =
 

Here are the various BMI ranges and their designation:

Under 18.5:   Underweight

18.5 – 24.9:   Ideal weight

25 – 29.9:      Overweight

30 – 34.9:      Obese (or Class I Obesity)

35 – 39.9:      Severe Obese (or Class II Obesity)

over 40:        Morbid Obese (or Class III Obesity)