By kkhealthcarecentre 
This article aims to clarify the difference between being overweight and obese, two conditions linked by the common trait of having more body fat than recommended. The distinction between the two largely hinges on body fat percentage.
Body mass index (BMI) is the primary tool used globally to determine if someone is underweight, at a normal weight, overweight, or obese. BMI calculates this by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. A higher BMI generally means more body fat.
Here’s a quick rundown of the BMI categories:
– BMI less than 18.5: Underweight
– BMI between 18.5 and 25.0: Normal
– BMI between 25.1 and 30.0: Overweight
– BMI over 30.0: Obese
Within the obese category, there are further classifications:
– Class 1: BMI between 30.1 and 35.0 (mild obesity)
– Class 2: BMI between 35.1 and 40.0 (moderate obesity)
– Class 3: BMI over 40.0 (severe obesity)
Typically, people with a BMI above 35 might opt for bariatric surgery for weight loss, with options including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or gastric banding, depending on their situation. On the other hand, people who are overweight do not need and are generally not eligible for such surgeries. They can lose weight through changes in lifestyle, diet, and by increasing physical activity.
While BMI doesn’t directly measure body fat, studies show it correlates moderately with more direct assessments, like underwater weighing, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), skinfold thickness measurements, and bioelectrical impedance. It can also be linked to some negative health outcomes.
However, it’s important to note that BMI is just a screening tool, not a definitive measure of one’s body fat or overall health. Someone classified as obese by BMI could actually be healthy. Likewise, some individuals with a higher BMI might appear lean due to muscle mass or larger body frames, as weight includes muscle and bone mass, not just fat. Muscles are denser than fat, so individuals can lose inches from their waist through exercise while maintaining the same weight because they gain muscle.
Therefore, it’s crucial for doctors to conduct comprehensive tests to assess an individual’s overall health, regardless of BMI. BMI alone is not a clinical diagnosis. For most people, a high BMI suggests the need to lose weight, but for some, it might not accurately reflect their body composition.
Hopefully, this clears up the confusion about the differences between being overweight and obese, enabling you to explain it to others more effectively.