11
Measurements
BMI in kilograms per meters squared (kg/m
2
)
a
Normal
Weight
18.5–24.9
Overweight
25.0–29.9
Class I
Obesity
30.0–34.9
Class II
Obesity
35.0–39.9
Class III
Obesity
≥40
Obesity Classification: WC
b
Abdominal Obesity – Women
≥35 inches
≥88 centimeters
Abdominal Obesity – Men
≥40 inches
≥102 centimeters
Classification of Percent Body Fat in Adults as Assessed by DXA
Women Men
Essential fat <15% <10%
Athlete 15–19% 10–14%
Fitness 20–24% 15–19%
Acceptable 25–29% 20–24%
Pre-obesity 30–34% 25–29%
Obesity ≥35% ≥30%
a
Different BMI cut-off points may be more appropriate based upon gender,
race, ethnicity, and menopausal status. For example, among Asians, a BMI >23
kg/m
2
may indicate pre-obesity, a BMI >27.5 kg/m
2
may indicate class I obesity,
a BMI >32.5 kg/m
2
may indicate class II obesity, and a BMI >37.5 kg/m
2
may
indicate class III obesity.
b
A waist to height ratio of 0.5 may be a simplified threshold common to all
ethnicities. It may also be a better screening tool for cardiometabolic risk
than BMI.
Edmonton Obesity Staging System
STAGE 0: No apparent risk factors, no physical symptoms, functional
limitations, and/ or impairment of well-being
STAGE 1: Presence of obesity-related subclinical risk factors, mild
physical symptoms, mild psychopathology, mild functional
limitations, and/or mild impairment of well-being
STAGE 2: Presence of established obesity-related chronic disease,
moderate psychopathology, moderate functional
limitations, and impairment of wellbeing.
STAGE 3: Established end-organ damage, significant
psychopathology, significant functional limitations, and/or
impairment of well-being.
STAGE 4: Severe (potentially end-stage) disabilities from obesity-related
chronic diseases, severe disabling psychopathology, severe
functional limitations, and/or severe impairment of well-being.
