Overweight and Obese

DEFINING OBESITY

by Dr.Perricone

Obesity has traditionally been defined as a weight at least 20
percent above the ideal weight corresponding to the lowest death
rate for individuals of a specific height, gender, and age. A
weight of 20 to 40 percent over ideal weight is considered mildly
obese; 40 to 100 percent over ideal weight is considered
moderately obese; and 100 percent over ideal weight is considered
severely, or morbidly, obese.

The BMI (Body Mass Index)

Another way to determine healthy weight is via the body mass
index (BMI), This number is calculated from a person's weight and
height. BMI, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, is a fairly reliable indicator of body fat for most
people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has
shown that it correlates well with direct measures of body fat,
such as underwater weighing and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
To calculate your BMI, see the directions at
www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.

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