Table 8: Classification of overweight in adults according to BMIa
| Classification |
BMI (kg/m2) |
Risk of comorbidities |
|
a These BMI values are age-independent and the same for both sexes.
However, BMI may not correspond to the same degree of fatness in different
populations due, in part, to differences in body proportions. The table shows a
simplistic relationship between BMI and the risk of comorbidity, which can be
affected by a range of factors, including the nature and the risk of comorbidity,
which can be affected by a range of factors, including the nature of the diet,
ethnic group and activity level. The risks associated with increasing BMI are
continuous and graded and begin at a BMI below 25. The interpretation of BMI
gradings in relation to risk may differ for different populations. Both BMI and a
measure of fat distribution (waist circumference or waist: hip ratio (WHR)) are
important in calculating the risk of obesity comorbidities.
|
| Underweight |
<18.5 |
Low (but risk of other
clinical problems increased) |
| Normal range |
18.5-24.9 |
Average |
| Overweight |
≥25.0 |
|
| Pre-obese |
25.0-29.9 |
Increased |
| Obese class I |
30.0-34.9 |
Moderate |
| Obese class II |
35.0-39.9 |
Severe |
| Obese class III |
≥40 |
Very severe |
Source: WHO/FAO "Diet, Nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases"
Section 5.2.6 Disease-specific recommendations 
Related publication:
Other Figures & Tables on this publication:
Table 1: Global and regional per capita food consumption (kcal per capita per day)
Table 2. Vegetable and animal sources of energy in the diet (kcal per capita per day)
Table 3: Vegetable and animal sources of energy in the diet (kcal per capita per day)
Supply of fat (g per capita per day)
Table 4. Per capita consumption of livestock products
Table 6. Ranges of population nutrient intake goals
Table 7: Summary of strength of evidence on factors that might promote or
protect against weight gain and obesitya
Table 8: Classification of overweight in adults according to BMIa
Table 9: Summary of strength of evidence on lifestyle factors and risk of developing
type 2 diabetes
Table 10: Summary of strength of evidence on lifestyle factors and risk of developing
cardiovascular diseases
Table 11: Summary of strength of evidence on lifestyle factors and the risk of developing cancer
Table 12: Trends in levels of dental caries in 12-year-olds mean [number of] delayed, missing, filled permanent teeth (DMFT) per person aged 12 years [as a result of carries]
Table 13: Prevalence of toothlessness (edentulousness) in older people throughout the world
Table 14: Summary of strength of evidence linking diet to dental caries
Table 15: Summary of strength of evidence linking diet to dental erosion
Table 16: Summary of strength of evidence linking diet to enamel developmental defects
Table 17: Summary of strength of evidence linking diet to periodontal disease
Table 18: Summary of strength of evidence linking diet to osteoporotic fractures
Figure 3: Trends in the supply of vegetables, by region, 1970-2000
Figure 4: Ranges of population nutrient intake goals
Figure 2. Calories from major commodities in developing countries
Comment
Degrees of evidence by the Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation
