How is obesity defined?
A simple, precise definition of obesity has not yet been determined. However, obesity is often defined as excessive body fat, which in some cases can be independent of weight. Obesity is usually measured in terms of weight and height, with obesity defined as 20% above ideal body weight. Obesity can also refer to a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, while the phrase overweight can denote a lower BMI. The National Institute of Health defined obesity in 1985, stating that any individual 20% or more over desirable weight is obese. The medical community has further defined the condition, identifying terms for its progressing severity. Beginning with the moderately obese category, the risk of mortality and other medical complications begins to rise. Individuals who are 30% or more over desirable weight are at risk for heart disease, Type II diabetes, and hypertension.
A simple, precise definition of obesity has not yet been determined. However, obesity is often defined as excessive body fat, which in some cases can be independent of weight. Obesity is usually measured in terms of weight and height, with obesity defined as 20% above ideal body weight. Obesity can also refer to a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, while the phrase “overweight” can denote a lower BMI.
Obesity relates to excess body fat. In adults, body mass index (BMI) is used to define obesity. BMI is calculated by dividing one’s weight in kilograms by one’s height in meters squared (kg/m2). BMI is used because it provides a reasonable estimate of adiposity (body fatness), and it relates to adverse health outcomes. Obesity in adults is defined as a BMI greater than 30 because a BMI greater than 30 is associated with an increased risk of medical problems. In children, the medical side effects of obesity often are not readily apparent. Consequently, deciding how to define obesity in childhood has been somewhat difficult. The International Task Force on Obesity recently suggested that BMI should be used to screen for childhood obesity. BMI in children has been shown to correlate with such complications as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and persistence of obesity into adulthood. The specific BMI cutoff points have not yet been established, but it will probably approxi
Mild obesity is defines as being 120% of the ideal weight for sex, height, and body frame as defined by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company’s weight for height tables of 1983. A more recent term that is used to describe obesity is Body Mass Index or BMI. This number is calculated from the individual’s height and weight. Mild obesity is considered a BMI of greater than 25 but less than 30. Moderate obesity is defined as being greater than 140% but less than 170% of ideal weight or a BMI of 30-35. Severe or morbid obesity is defined as being greater than 225% of ideal weight or a BMI of greater than 50. A BMI Calculator has been placed on this website for your convenience.
Obesity, in the vast majority of cases, is the result of unhealthy eating behaviour coupled with a sedentary lifestyle. When dietary energy intake exceeds expenditure, the excess is stored in the form of fat (triglyceride) in adipose tissue. Energy storage is fundamental for survival when food is scarce, but when it becomes the rule, rather than the exception, it leads to obesity. Obesity is the point beyond which increasing body fat storage is associated with distinctively elevated health risks. The practical definition of obesity is based on the Body Mass Index and BMIs of 25, 30 and 40 correspond to grades 1, 2 and 3 of overweight . Such overweight is a major public health issue. Experts suggest that Grade 2 overweight, is common- affecting up to 20% of Europeans and of American whites between 20-60 years, and that it warrants close attention. At present, Americans spend an additional $33 billion on weight-reducing products and services. Overweight is a major factor for the developm
