Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases also affecting overall health and quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a condition in which percentage body fat is increased to an extent that health and well-being are impaired.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 42.4% of all adults in the United States experience obesity. There are actually three different classes of obesity, organised according to severity. Class 2 obesity is medically classified as a moderate form of obesity. Lets take a deeper look into what Class 2 obesity is.
📝 What are the obesity classes?
Classes of obesity are based on a person’s body mass index (BMI). The higher the individual’s obesity level (more excess body fat) the more at risk they become for developing serious medical conditions. Obesity is currently ranked 2nd in the U.S. as one of the top most preventable forms of premature death.
Individuals with mild obesity may experience joint pain, become tired easily and have an increased risk for metabolic syndrome. Individuals with moderate obesity are at a higher risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiac issues. Those with severe obesity (formerly called morbid obesity) levels are at increased risk for very serious health conditions that are life-threatening such as heart disease, stroke and many different types of cancer.
How is BMI calculated?
A person’s body mass index (BMI) is calculated by dividing their weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.
📈 Obesity levels based on BMI
Higher BMI levels typically have increasingly higher health consequences, with different classes of obesity based on the severity. Class 1 is the least severe class, while class 3 is the most severe. BMI ranges as defined by NICE are:
- Underweight: (BMI) of less than 18.5kg/m2
- Healthy weight/normal weight: BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2
- Overweight: BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 (not obese)
- Class I Obesity: BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m2 (low risk)
- Class II Obesity: BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m2 (moderate risk)
- Class III Obesity: BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m2 (high risk)
The above BMI cut off points are based on Caucasians and do not consider ethnicity, gender or age. Here are some factors affecting one’s ideal BMI:
- Asians generally carry more body fat than Caucasians with similar BMIs
- Women usually have higher levels of body fat compared to men of the same BMI
- As we get older our muscle mass decreases while our amount of body fat increases
A BMI calculation is not the only tool healthcare providers can use to class obesity. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio are important measures for body fat distribution when investigating the health risks in certain groups of people. Studies have shown excess weight gain around the belly increases health risks.
📝 What BMI range qualifies as class 2 obesity?
Class 2 obesity is also called moderate obesity and is the second worst obesity classification on the BMI scale. Individuals who have a body mass index between 35 and 39.9 have Class II obesity. People who fall into this category have a higher risk of experiencing both physical and mental health risks.
What health risks are associated with class 2 obesity?
- Cardiovascular disease: People with a high BMI are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems
- Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar
- High blood pressure (Hypertension): Being overweight or obese can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke
- Sleep apnea: People with a high BMI are more likely to have sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to daytime fatigue and other complications
- Gallstones: Higher blood cholesterol levels can cause cholesterol to accumulate in your gallbladder, which increases your risk of cholesterol gallstones and gallbladder diseases
- Joint problems: Excess weight puts added pressure on your joints, which can lead to osteoarthritis, joint pain, and other problems
- Cancer: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer
📝 Treatment for Class 2 obesity
The most effective treatment for class 2 obesity is weight loss and a reduction in your BMI level to a healthy weight range of between 18.5 and 24.9. Achieving significant body weight loss requires a combination approach:
- Healthy eating. Eating a balanced healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources, whole grains and healthy fats. Avoiding processed foods high in sugar or saturated fat
- Control food intake. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid consuming excess calories. Use smaller plates and bowls, and pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. Avoid eating directly from packages, as it can lead to mindless snacking
- Physical activity. Engaging in regular physical activity such as cardio workouts or strength training exercises
- Weight management medication. Together, you and your provider can decide if weight loss medication is right for you
📝 Conclusion
When BMI reaches a class 2 obesity level, it gets harder to lose weight. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of serious health conditions as well as higher medical expenses. These effects tend to be larger as obesity class increases. Getting help from a healthcare professional can help you identify obstacles and support your weight loss journey.
Sources
- New obesity classification criteria as a tool for bariatric surgery indication – PMC
- Identification and classification – Diagnosis – Obesity – CKS | NICE
- Adult BMI Categories – BMI – CDC
- Your weight and heart and circulatory conditions – BHF
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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What It Does
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NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.
In the UK, we are located at:
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28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
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Suite 4200 #1263
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To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.
Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:
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Who owns NowPatient?
NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.
Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).
Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?
NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.
Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).
Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.
How do I make a complaint?
From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?
Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:
• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old
NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla. Dr Ihtesham Sabri is the Medical Director for NowPatient and is responsible for NowPatient’s prescribing formulary and treatment guidelines, which are used by clinicians for safe and effective prescribing.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?
Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.
You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
What are the steps to booking a live video consultation?
Follow the steps below to book a consultation:
1Book Consultation
2Choose Consultation DateNext, you’ll be taken to the ‘Consultation Date’ screen, where you can select your preferred consultation date. You can also add any notes that might assist the clinician during your session. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
3Choose Consultation TimeYou will now see the ‘Consultation Time’ screen. Select your preferred time for the consultation and then click ‘Continue’.
4Choose ClinicianOn the ‘Choose Clinician’ screen, you’ll be able to view available clinicians and select the one you prefer. You can filter the list by gender and spoken languages. Once you’ve made your selection, click ‘Continue’.
5Booking ConfirmationYou will now arrive at the ‘Booking Confirmation’ screen, where you can review a summary of your booking. This screen also includes an advisory titled ‘Pre-consultation Requirements’, which offers helpful tips on how to prepare for your live video consultation. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
6Safety Information & RemindersYou’ll be asked to provide safety information, including: - The address where you will be during the consultation - Emergency contact details You can also opt to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your scheduled video consultation.
7Final ConfirmationClick ‘Confirm Booking’ to complete the process. A pop-up will appear to confirm your booking, and you will be redirected to your account homepage. You’ll also receive confirmation via In-App and Push notifications.
If I place an order, how do I check out?
Follow the steps below to checkout:
1Go to Cart using Account Navigation
2If there is an NHS service item in the Cart - An NHS Exemption Declaration will Pop Up
3Complete the NHS Exemption Declaration for each NHS service item
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Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?
Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.
NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.
Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:
Does NowPatient have insurance in place for the services it provides?
Yes. NowPatient is fully insured to provide pharmacy & prescribing services. Insurance not only provides peace of mind but also provides an effective safety net for both you and our clinicians.
Why is it important to choose an online pharmacy and telehealth service that is insured?
Insurance is more than just a financial safeguard, it is a signal of legitimacy and accountability.
We insure our services, so that it:
- Shows you that we are compliant with all laws and industry standards in the markets that we operate.
- Shows you that we are committed to standards of professionalism.
- Reinforces your confidence that you are dealing with a reputable provider.
Who insures your services and which services are insured?
We are insured by the National Pharmacy Association in the UK.
The scope of the services covered include:
- dispensing of prescriptions
- telehealth prescribing services.
In addition, all of the clinicians that operate on our platform have their personal indemnity insurance & scope of clinical practice validated and checked before they are able to provide services.
What are NowPatient’s opening hours?
Our office hours are:
UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST
Please note that we are closed at weekends.
In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:
UK – 999
US – 911
In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:
UK – 111