What is obese?

CATEGORY	BODY MASS INDEX Weight [Kg] -:- (height x height [m])	HEALTH RISK
Underweight	Up to 18.5	Slightly increased
Ideal weight	18.6 – 24.9	Average
Overweight	25 – 29.9	Slightly increased
Obese level 1	30 – 34.9	Increased
Obese level 2	35 – 39.9	Greater Increase
Obese level 3	40 +	Substantially increased
SEX	WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE	HEALTH RISK
Men	37 – 39in (94 – 101cm) 40in (102cm) +	Increased Substantially increased
Women	32 – 34in (80 – 87cm) 35in (88cm) +	Increased Substantially increased

Obesity Facts

Around one‑third of adults in England live with obesity, and roughly two‑thirds are overweight or obese

Obesity can shorten your life. It can also put you at risk of developing a number of conditions. These include:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Some forms of cancer

• 
  

It can also cause other problems, such as:

• Gallstones

• Fertility and sex drive can be greatly reduced

• Greater stress on your joints

• Can find it difficult to sleep or suffer from snoring

• May get out of breath more easily

Many other health risks are higher for people who are obese. These risks may increase as the degree of obesity increases.

Where you carry the extra weight is also important. People who carry extra weight around their waist may be more likely to experience health problems caused by obesity than those who carry it in their legs and thighs.