What body-mass index (BMI) classification defines morbid obesity? | Rounds What body-mass index (BMI) classification defines morbid obesity? | Rounds
Loading...

What body-mass index (BMI) classification defines morbid obesity?

Medical Advisory Board
All articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board.

Educational purpose only · Not a substitute for professional judgment or the full text of guidelines and labels.

Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 14, 2026 · View editorial policy

Morbid Obesity BMI Classification

Morbid obesity is classified as class III (“extreme”/“severe”) obesity with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m². [1]

BMI Cutoff Definition

  • BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² defines morbid obesity. [1]
  • Morbid obesity is commonly mapped to class III obesity in clinical and policy documents. [1]

Assessment Basis

  • BMI is calculated as weight (kg) / height (m²). [2]

Clinical Coding Implication

  • Terminology “morbid obesity” corresponds to a BMI threshold at which severity-based clinical management pathways may apply. [1]

Measurement Prerequisites

  • Accurate height and weight measurement is required to classify BMI-based obesity severity categories. [2]

Units and Rounding

  • The cutoff is specified in kg/m² at 40 for the morbid obesity classification threshold. [1]

Related Questions