Obesity Vs Morbid Obesity: What Is The Difference?

For many of us, “overweight” is a familiar term, and we may have a general idea of what “obesity” means. But what about “morbid obesity”? Could you automatically tell the difference between the two? For most of us, the answer would be “no.” In today’s article, we’re going to look at how these terms are commonly defined, what people usually mean when they say “morbid obesity,” whether the term “morbid” is considered outdated, and more.

Obesity Vs Morbid Obesity: Definition Difference

What is obesity? When most people are faced with this question, their automatic answer would be that obesity is a state of being heavy — heavier than just being overweight. While this is partly true, it is also only part of the picture, and here is why.

Obesity is more than what we see. In many medical definitions, obesity describes having a higher amount of body fat than is generally considered healthy for a person’s height, and it may be associated with a higher likelihood of certain long-term health issues.

What is considered morbid obesity? For most people, this term may sound like it refers to something extreme — but the meaning of “morbid” here relates to illness, not to a value judgment about someone’s appearance.

In medical contexts, “morbid obesity” has been used to describe more severe obesity, often discussed alongside other health risks. Because the word “morbid” can sound stigmatizing, many sources now use the term “Class III obesity” instead (2).

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What Are The Different Levels Of Obesity?

As mentioned above, “morbid obesity” is now often referred to as Class III obesity, but what are the other classes and what do they mean?

Obesity classifications are commonly described using BMI (body mass index) — a screening tool that estimates weight status using height and weight. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. Standard BMI categories are often listed as follows (2, 3)

• Underweight – Less than 18.5
• Optimum range – 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight – 25 to 29.9

A BMI of 30 or higher is commonly grouped under the obesity category, which is often divided into three classes:

1. Class I obesity — 30 to 34.9
2. Class II obesity — 35 to 39.9
3. Class III obesity — 40 or higher

The differences between obesity and more severe obesity don’t stop here, however. As seen above, obesity is often described as a BMI of 30 or higher, but when people refer to Class III obesity (previously called “morbid obesity”), BMI is sometimes discussed alongside other clinical considerations.

Other factors that may be considered by healthcare professionals can include:

1. Being significantly above the weight range that may be expected for your height.
2. Being in a higher BMI class and also having other health concerns that can be associated with obesity.

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What Are The 6 Types Of Obesity?

As seen above, obesity is often described using BMI-based classes. However, some research has suggested that participants can be grouped into different clusters based on lifestyle and wellbeing-related factors. The idea of “six types” comes from a research study published in 2015.

In the study, researchers used questionnaires with a large group of participants, and a subset met the BMI criterion commonly used to define obesity (BMI of 30 or higher). The questionnaires covered a range of topics, from basic background information and quality of life to lifestyle factors such as physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking.

Once researchers analyzed the data they collected, they suggested six clusters, such as:

1. Heavy-drinking men
2. Younger women reporting generally good health
3. Affluent older adults reporting generally good health
4. Older adults reporting more physical health challenges but higher life satisfaction
5. Middle-aged adults reporting lower wellbeing and higher stress levels
6. Those reporting the lowest overall health status

From these findings, the researchers suggested that when it comes to body weight and weight-management goals, BMI isn’t the only factor that can matter. Other lifestyle and wellbeing factors can also play a role in how people end up in a certain BMI category. Looking at the bigger picture may help people choose an approach that feels more realistic and sustainable for them, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all plan (6).

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FAQs

Severe Obesity Vs Morbid Obesity: Is There A Difference?

In many contexts, “severe obesity” is used as a more neutral way to refer to what used to be called “morbid obesity.” Today, many sources prefer terms like “Class III obesity.”

What Does It Mean To Be Super Morbidly Obese?

While terms like “super morbid obesity” aren’t part of the standard BMI class system, some sources may use them informally to describe very high BMI ranges. For example, BMI values around 50+ are sometimes described this way in medical writing. Some sources also mention even higher ranges, but the terminology isn’t standardized and can vary (5, 1).

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The Bottom Line

When it comes to describing Class I vs Class III obesity, BMI is often one of the main reference points. At the same time, overall health risk can be influenced by many other factors, including weight history, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. If a healthcare professional has discussed Class III obesity with you, consider asking them what movement, nutrition, or lifestyle steps make sense for your situation and how to approach changes in a manageable, realistic way.