Obesity:

Obesity is defined as 30% over ideal body weight or Body mass index over 30.

Morbid Obesity is Body mass index over 40 or over 35 with comorbidities.

Obesity Grades based on BMI:

Ideal                         -           20 – 24.9
Overweight              -           25 – 29.9
Moderate Obesity   -           30 – 34.9
Severe Obesity       -           35 – 39.9
Morbid Obesity        -           40 – 49.9
Super Obesity         -           50 +++

Obesity trends:

National Burden of Obesity:

Total medical cost for Obesity in 2003 was $75 billion.
9.1% of annual medical spending was for overweight and obese patients.

BMI of 30 to 40 (56 million Americans)

            Had healthcare costs of 36% greater than normal weight individuals.

            Had pharmacy costs of 77% greater than normal-weight individuals.

Health Ramifications of Obesity:

Morbid obesity increases the risk for several life threatening medical conditions called “Co-morbidities” and also shortens life span. Please follow the above link to see the list of comorbidities.

Death rate:

Every year 300,000 deaths are reported in the USA directly related to Obesity. This is approximately at the rate of 5-6% of the morbidly obese population every year!!