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Fat is just fat...isn't it? Actually, no, it isn't. Not being able to get into your size 4 jeans because you gained a few extra pounds doesn't constitute morbid obesity. It really doesn't even mean you are truly overweight. Being overweight or morbidly obese has more to do with something called Body Mass Index or BMI. This is the percentage of fat a person carries around.

You are thinking, so what am I? To find where you fit in this mix, first you must find out what your percentage is. To do this, you must use this formula:

BMI = lb * 703 / inches sq

This is your weight times 703, divided by your height squared.

Example: person weighing 250 pounds that is 5ft 7in has a BMI of 39.15

250 lbs * 703 / 67 inches sq (4489) = 39.15

After you have your number what does it mean to you? You can see where you fall in the list below:

BMI
Less than 18.5 Underweight 18.5-24.9 Normal weight 25.0-29.9 Overweight 30-34.9 Severe obesity 35.0-39.9 Morbid obesity Over 40.0 Super obesity

So, what are the big differences between being overweight and morbidly obese? Being overweight, you still move around and are able to fit comfortably in most spaces and do most things. You might find that you get out of breath after some exercises you once could do all day.

Morbid obesity changes your life. Not only are there changes in the size you pick up to take to the dressing room, there are also certain physical symptoms that go along with this additional weight gain. Simple chores such as laundry and dishes drain your strength. Walking is difficult and leaves you gasping for air and looking for a place to sit down often. Your back hurts from the strain of the added pounds. Also, mental alertness and focus often becomes diminished due to decreases in circulation. Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and adult diabetes are also side effects of being morbidly obese. These are not usually found in someone who is just overweight. These symptoms usually present themselves more toward the obese stages of weight gain. One more reason to not go on that diet, but to change your way of eating and exercising all together.

Not only are there health related differences, there are also other things that occur. You can no longer sit in that seat at the movies in comfort, or ride that favorite ride at the fair you just don't fit. You are charged additional fees for airline tickets because you take up more room than other people. These few things are not even touching the numerous ways that morbid obesity changes the way your life is lived.
The differences of being overweight and being morbidly obese are numerous, but keep in mind that people that are overweight are very close to "normal." If you keep eating right and exercising on a regular basis overweight need not turn into morbid obesity.

Learn more about this author, Rella Ingram.
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