What BMI value is considered a risk factor for obesity?

A Body Mass Index (BMI) value of 30 or above is recognized as a risk factor for obesity. This classification indicates that an individual's body weight is significantly higher than what is considered healthy for their height, which can lead to various health issues. The BMI scale categorizes individuals based on their weight relative to their height, where a BMI of less than 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5 to 24.9 is normal weight, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 and above is categorized as obese.

Being in the obese category (BMI of 30 or above) is associated with an increased risk of developing health complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. This classification serves as a guideline in public health for identifying individuals who may benefit from weight management interventions.

Other ranges, such as below 25, between 25 and 29, and under 20, indicate either a normal weight or varying degrees of overweight but do not classify individuals within the obesity risk factor. Thus, only the BMI of 30 or above is identified specifically as a risk factor for obesity.