What’s the difference between overweight and obese, and how is it defined in Europe?

Overweight vs obese explained: body mass index (BMI) thresholds, waist circumference, cardiometabolic risk, and treatment criteria.

In this episode, we clarify how doctors classify overweight and obesity under EU and WHO medical guidance.

You’ll learn:

• BMI definition (weight in kg divided by height in metres squared)

• Overweight classification: BMI 25–29.9

• Obesity classification: BMI ≥30 (Class I, II, III)

• Why waist circumference helps assess visceral fat risk

• Associated health risks: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea

• The difference between weight category and overall health status

• When blood tests (HbA1c, lipid profile, liver function) are recommended

• Situations where weight-loss medication or referral requires meeting BMI criteria

We explain how doctors assess BMI alongside waist measurement, blood pressure, glucose control, cardiovascular risk factors, medication history, and lifestyle patterns during an online consultation in the EU. Obesity is a chronic medical condition with metabolic implications, not only a weight category.

This episode reflects the clinical standards used by Mobi Doctor, where metabolic and weight management consultations are reviewed by a registered physician in line with EU medical guidance.

Read the full guide and transcript here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/overweight-vs-obese