Patient-Friendly Explanation

Doctors classify obesity into different levels — Class I, Class II, and Class III — based on body mass index. Each class indicates the severity of excess weight and helps guide treatment decisions, from lifestyle changes to medications to surgery. Knowing your classification helps you and your doctor understand which treatment options are most appropriate and likely to be effective for you.

Clinical Definition

Obesity is classified by the World Health Organization into three classes based on BMI: Class I (BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/m²), Class II (BMI 35.0–39.9 kg/m²), and Class III (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m²). These classifications correlate with escalating risks of obesity-related comorbidities and inform treatment intensity — from lifestyle intervention and pharmacotherapy in Class I to bariatric surgery consideration in Class II with comorbidities or Class III. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) provides complementary risk stratification.

Why It Matters

Obesity classification is not about labelling — it is about matching the right treatment to the right patient. A patient with Class II obesity and weight-related health complications has different needs than someone with Class I obesity and no comorbidities. NuLifeCare Singapore uses evidence-based classification to design individualised, medically appropriate treatment pathways for every patient.