contact | links | sitemap About us Obesity Our treatment Am I eligible? compensation Treatment program Experiences What is Obesity? The risks of obesity When is obesity? home Home / Obesity / When is obesity? When is obesity? There are two methods of determining obesity: measuring the Body Mass Index (BMI) measuring the waist circumference. 1. The 'Body Mass Index' (BMI) The Body Mass Index is based on the ratio between height and weight. Weight in kilograms is divided by the square of height in meters. Calculate your BMI (in the calculation module on the right of the page) A BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI from 35 with health problems, is described as very severe or morbid obesity. BMI (weight / height2) Classification <20 Underweight 20 - 25 Normal weight 25 - 30 Overweight 30 - 35 Obese (Slightly Obese, Class 1) 35 - 40 Severe obese (severely obese, class 2) 40 - 50 Very severely obese (morbid obese, class 3) > 50 Super obese 2. Belly circumference Our body stores excess fat and chooses different locations in the body for it. The weight increases, but so does the health risk. The danger is not so much in the fat directly under the skin; the fat in the abdominal cavity, around the organs, is more dangerous. This is particularly common in men and patients with diabetes. A waist circumference between 68 and 80 cm is healthy for women. With a waist circumference between 80 and 88 cm there is an increased risk of health problems. If the waist circumference is more than 88 cm, the risk is seriously increased. In men, a belly circumference between 79 and 94 cm is healthy, with a belly circumference between 94 and 102 cm there is an increased risk of health problems and from 102 cm the risk is seriously increased. Measuring the waist circumference The waist circumference is measured at the narrowest part of your waist, ie between the top of the pelvis / hipbone and the lower rib. Sign Up Click here to register. Forms Click here to download the necessary forms. fast to Calculate BMI Calculate your BMI To calculate your B ody M ass I ndex: Enter your height (eg 184) and weight (eg 95.5). Accessibility Tel: 058 - 286 6969 Visiting address: Henri Dunantweg 2 8934 AD Leeuwarden Directions Postal address: PO Box 888 8901 BR Leeuwarden Help Disclaimer Colophon