Whether you're considered "fat" or "obese" is determined by your Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated from height and weight, with a BMI of 25-29.9 generally classifying you as overweight, and 30 or higher as obese, while a healthy weight is 18.5-24.9. To find your category, calculate your BMI (weight in kg / height in m²) or use an online calculator, but remember BMI has limitations, so consulting a doctor for a full assessment is best.
Body mass index (BMI)
below 18.5 – you're in the underweight range. 18.5 to 24.9 – you're in the healthy weight range. 25 to 29.9 – you're in the overweight range. 30 to 39.9 – you're in the obese range.
overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25; and. obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30.
Fat would be excess skin (globs of it) hanging all-over where your stomach basically covers your privates and your arm fat is hanging down and your shaped more like a butterball chicken. Chubby would be more meat but firmer and you still have all your curves in the right places, they're just accented more!
Symptoms of Obesity
Surgical treatment
Weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) is the only choice today that effectively treats morbid obesity in people who have already tried diet, exercise, and medicine.
BMI categories for adults 20 and older:
A weight of 70kg can fall within the healthy weight range for various individuals. Height plays a significant role. A shorter individual might find a BMI of 70kg within a healthy range, whereas a taller person could potentially fall into the overweight or even the obesity category using the same metric.
At 22% body fat, men often have a softer midsection, less muscle definition, and a healthy but not overly lean look, while women typically appear athletic and toned, with some ab definition visible when flexing and definition in arms and legs, sitting in the "fitness" or "average" range for both genders, though visual appearance varies by individual.
For example, if someone is 5'8” and weighs 200 lbs The BMI reading would be 30.4 which would put the person in the obese category.
Body Shapes with the Highest Risk of Health Problems
Apple and pear body shapes tend to have the highest risk. Apples tend to be at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, and strokes because they hold a larger amount of tummy fat.
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese.
While being overweight is a precursor to obesity and, like obesity, can increase the risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke, it's also possible to be overweight and still healthy, especially if you're free from chronic diseases like hypertension or diabetes.
Ozempic is typically recommended for individuals who have a BMI of 30 or higher, which falls into the obese category, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have additional health concerns such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
A BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m² indicates a normal weight. A BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m² is considered underweight. A BMI between 25 kg/m² and 29.9 kg/m² is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher is considered obese.
BMI is used mainly to define different weight groups in adults age 20 years or older.
Experts recommend a safe, steady body fat reduction of 1-3% per month, so think of this as a journey spanning three to ten months (depending on your present weight and weight loss goal).
Sleep deprivation has long been linked to an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. Researchers found that getting less than seven hours of sleep resulted in weight changes and may lead to weight gain, either by increasing food intake or decreasing energy burned.
Visible Abs Require More Than Just Crunches
Visible abdominal muscles require achieving specific body fat percentage thresholds — typically 10-12% for men and 16-19% for women — though individual variation exists due to genetics, muscle development, and fat distribution patterns.
Whether 80kg (176 lbs) is "heavy" for a woman depends on her height, body composition (muscle vs. fat), and frame, as Body Mass Index (BMI) can categorize it as overweight or obese for shorter women but might be healthy for taller individuals with significant muscle mass, though a BMI over 30 (obesity) is generally considered unhealthy for most. A single number doesn't define health; factors like fitness level, strength, and body shape matter more than just weight.
Fat loss is generally healthier as it preserves lean muscle mass, which is crucial for metabolism and overall health. Combine regular exercise (like resistance training and cardio) with a balanced, protein-rich diet, adequate hydration, and good sleep.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
Kelly's weight loss appeared fast because she addressed underlying metabolic issues with medical support while keeping habits simple. Many celebrities rely on extreme diets; Kelly focused on consistency, walking, and protein, which created visible change without rebound.
A clear definition of morbid obesity is very important because this definition is used to guide doctors in the selection of treatment options for people who are overweight. Individuals are usually considered morbidly obese if their weight is more than 80 to 100 pounds above their ideal body weight.