Definition & Etiology

Definition

Obesity: a condition of excess body fat defined by BMI thresholds – BMI thresholds (general population):

• Healthy: 18.5-24.9
• Overweight: 25-29.9
• Obesity Type 1: 30-35
• Obesity Type 2: 35-40
• Obesity Type 3: >40
• Modified BMI thresholds for South Asian/Afro-Caribbean/Middle Eastern:
• Overweight: 23-27.4
• Obese: ≥27.5 (subtract 2.5 from standard thresholds)

Prevalence

• 1 in 4 individuals in the UK

Etiology

Multiple factors including:

• Lifestyle factors
• Medical conditions
• Medications
• Socioeconomic status
• Sleep patterns