What BMI value is classified as obese?

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher is classified as obese. This classification is based on the relationship between body weight and height, providing a measure to assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Specifically, a BMI ranging from 30 to 39.9 indicates varying degrees of obesity, with values above 40 indicating severe obesity.

Understanding these classifications is crucial for health professionals, as obesity is associated with an increased risk of several chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Effective assessment of an individual's BMI can guide dietary and health interventions aimed at reducing health risks associated with excess weight.

The other ranges provided are categorized differently. For instance, a BMI between 18.5 and 25 is considered normal weight, while a BMI of 25 to 30 falls within the overweight category. The ranges of 15 to 20 indicate underweight status, which highlights the importance of understanding these distinctions in clinical practice.