Final answer:
A patient with a BMI over 40 kg/m2 is classified as morbidly obese. Obesity is measured by BMI, a weight-to-height ratio. Morbid obesity is linked with greater health risks and severe obesity complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m2 would be classified as having morbid obesity.
Obesity is assessed using the BMI, which is a calculation of weight relative to height. The ranges are categorically defined: a normal BMI is from 18 to 24.9 kg/m2, overweight is from 25 to 29.9 kg/m2, and obesity starts at a BMI of 30 kg/m2. Within the obese classifications, there are further distinctions such as severe obesity, defined as a BMI of 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 or a BMI of 35 kg/m2 along with obesity-related health issues. Above this range is morbid obesity, which specifically refers to a BMI of 40 kg/m2 but less than 45 kg/m2. Morbid obesity is associated with an increased risk of serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, losing weight can importantly decrease the risk or severity of these conditions.