What BMI level is considered obese?

Body mass index (BMI) remains the primary tool for determining obesity, but it needs to be combined with other factors such as abdominal fat (measured around waist circumference), body fat percentage, etc.

More and more people around the world are becoming obese - Illustration: AI

Obesity is not just an aesthetic issue; it also poses a risk of many health problems. Currently, new guidelines on obesity treatment from major health organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) are regularly updated to help people gain a more comprehensive understanding of managing and treating this condition.

A BMI of 23-27.5 may indicate obesity.

Body mass index (BMI) – calculated by dividing weight (kg) by the square of height (m) – remains the primary tool for determining obesity. However, it needs to be combined with other factors such as abdominal fat (measured waist circumference), body fat percentage, and medical history for a comprehensive assessment.

A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese, but for some ethnic groups, such as Asians, a BMI between 23 and 27.5 may warrant attention and be considered overweight or obese.

In addition, assessing the risk of obesity-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure is also crucial.

Weight loss is the primary goal in obesity treatment; however, the specific amount of weight loss can vary from patient to patient.

A goal of losing 5-10% of body weight can yield significant health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients, and lower blood pressure.

Long-term management is crucial, as obesity can recur if long-term lifestyle changes are not maintained.

How is obesity treated?

Treating obesity requires a proper diet, recommending foods rich in fiber (green vegetables, fruits, whole grains) and reducing calorie intake from processed foods, foods high in sugar, and saturated fats.

Calorie intake should be adjusted to suit each individual's activity level. A low-calorie diet (approximately 1,200-1,500 calories per day for women and 1,500-1,800 calories for men) can help with weight loss.

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, or the Mediterranean diet, is also recommended for obese patients with co-morbidities such as hypertension and diabetes.

In addition, regular exercise is necessary; patients are advised to exercise for at least 150 minutes per week at moderate intensity (such as brisk walking, cycling) or 75 minutes per week at high intensity (running, swimming).

Additionally, you should perform muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week to improve your body's strength and flexibility.

Simultaneously, behavioral modification techniques such as setting specific goals, monitoring food intake, and group support help patients maintain motivation and manage their eating and lifestyle habits.

Managing obesity is a long-term journey, combining a proper diet, regular physical activity, and sustainable behavioral changes.

The use of medication or surgical intervention should only be considered when prescribed by a doctor. With the support of the latest treatment guidelines, patients can gradually manage their weight and improve their quality of life.

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Le Phuong Thao is a treating physician at the outpatient department of Tam Duc Heart Hospital, with over 10 years of experience in the field of cardiology.

In addition to specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, Dr. Thao is also proficient in modern echocardiography techniques such as transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and 3D echocardiography.

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MSc. Dr. Nguyen Le Phuong Thao

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chi-so-bmi-muc-nao-duoc-coi-la-beo-phi-20250409215723594.htm