What is the Difference Between Overweight and Obese?

The difference between overweight and obese is determined by the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a simple index of weight-for-height. Here are the definitions for adults and children:

• Overweight: A BMI greater than or equal to 25. For children aged between 5–19 years, overweight is defined as a BMI-for-age greater than 1 standard deviation above the World Health Organization (WHO) Growth Reference median.
• Obese: A BMI greater than or equal to 30. For children aged between 5–19 years, obesity is defined as a BMI-for-age greater than 2 standard deviations above the WHO Growth Reference median. Obesity is further subdivided into categories:
• Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 35
• Class 2: BMI of 35 to < 40
• Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher, sometimes categorized as "severe" obesity.

In simple terms, being overweight means having more body weight than is considered normal or healthy for one's age or build, while obesity is the condition of being obese, i.e., having an excess amount of body fat with a BMI of over 30. It is essential to note that a high BMI does not necessarily indicate a health issue, and weight is not the only indicator of health. Other health indicators, such as healthcare access, lifestyle habits, and family history, should also be considered.

Comparative Table: Overweight vs Obese

The main difference between being overweight and obese lies in the amount of excess body fat and the potential health risks associated with each condition. Here is a table summarizing the differences between overweight and obese individuals:

• Overweight individuals have a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9, which indicates that they carry excess body weight but may not necessarily have an excess accumulation of fat.
• Obese individuals have a BMI of 30.0 or higher, which indicates an excess accumulation of body fat. Obesity is further classified into three subcategories: moderately obese (Obese Class I), severely obese (Obese Class II), and morbidly obese (Obese Class III).
• Both overweight and obese individuals are at an increased risk of various health problems, but obese individuals are at a higher risk due to the severity of their condition.
• It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation of one's individual health, as BMI alone is not a comprehensive representation of a person's overall health.