HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Nearly two-thirds of the United States population is overweight. There are many ways to determine if a person is overweight, but experts believe that a person's body mass index (BMI) is the most accurate measurement of body fat for children and adults.

  • Adults with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight. There are exceptions. For example, an athlete may have a higher BMI but not be overweight.
  • Adults with a BMI greater than 30 are considered obese.
  • Anyone more than 100 pounds overweight is considered morbidly obese.

For more detailed information see: Obesity

Related topics:

Source Doc: 1_003101