Final answer:
Morbid obesity is defined as a BMI of ≥ 35 kg/m² with obesity-related health problems or a BMI of ≥ 40 kg/m² but < 45 kg/m² without such problems. It is a serious health condition that can lead to other severe diseases and impacts treatment approaches and public health policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Morbid obesity is a condition in which an individual has accumulated so much body fat that it might have a negative impact on their health, leading to significant health issues. It is diagnosed when a person has a body mass index (BMI)≥ 35 kg/m² and obesity-related health problems or when a person has a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² but < 45 kg/m² without accompanying health issues.
The relevance of the definition lies in distinguishing between different levels of obesity severity. One person with a BMI of 35 kg/m² could be considered severely obese if there are no additional obesity-related health problems, while another person with the same BMI would be considered morbidly obese if such health issues are present. Obesity-related health problems include conditions like coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and several others that could lead to a diminished quality of life or even premature death.
It's important to recognize that the different categorizations of obesity (severe, morbid, and super obesity) are used by the medical profession to dictate treatment strategies and to understand the associated risks of various health conditions arising from excessive weight. Thus, the definition of morbid obesity is especially relevant for medical professionals when assessing patients and is crucial for public health policies aimed at addressing the obesity epidemic.