How is obesity defined and, in general, are different definitions of obesity accepted?
The IRS, in its revenue ruling, didn’t spell out what obesity is, and an agency official said it will “leave (this definition) to medical science.” The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the American Obesity Association basically use the same definition: A person with a Body Mass Index of 30 or more is considered obese, while someone with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is overweight. There are a number of Internet sites that will make the calculations. The important thing is that you have to get documentation from your doctor that you’re obese before you can qualify for a deduction. Q: Are exercise programs deductible? A: Possibly. If the doctor specifically recommends exercise as part of a weight-loss program to treat a disease, the cost of that may be deducted as a medical expense. Again, you should be sure to get a doctor’s note. Also, be careful of trying to deduct expenses for the most high-tech or expensive gym membership you can find. The IRS has already said i
