What Is Obesity?
Weight gain and
obesity develops when the energy supplied from the food and drink you consume
is greater than the energy your body needs for physical activity and other
metabolic processes. (1)
In Australia, a recent report estimates that approximately 60% of adults, aged 25 years and over, are overweight or obese. (2)
Severe or "Morbid" Obesity
Obesity becomes "morbid" when it reaches the point of significantly increasing the risk of one or more obesity-related health conditions or diseases (also known as co-morbidities) that can result either in significant physical disability or even death.
Morbid obesity, also called "very severe obesity", is typically defined as being 45.4 kg or more over ideal body weight or having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. (1)
You can check your BMI using the chart below or use our BMI calculator.
