Are You Overweight?


What is the difference between being overweight and obese?

The terms overweight and obese are both used to describe excess body weight. Overweight typically refers to weight 10% above the expected body weight for height and build. Obese refers to being 20% over the target. The greater the excess, the more significant the health risk.

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How can I determine what my target weight should be?

Your health care provider has chart and tables that are used to determine what your target weight should be. They vary according to gender, height, age and bone structure. The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company has the most commonly used height and weight tables.

A simpler and more useful piece of information however is Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height (in meters).

To obtain your weight in kilograms, simply multiply your weight in lbs. by 0.45. To obtain your height in meters, first multiply your height in inches by 2.5, then divide that number by 100. Don't forget to square that result when you use it in the equation.

For example, to determine the BMI of a woman who is 5'8" and weighs 135 lbs., you would:

1. Convert pounds and inches to kilograms and meters.

135 lbs. * 0.45 = 60.75 kg
(68 inches * 2.5) / 100 = 1.7 meters

2. Substitute the metric numbers into the BMI equation to get your Body Mass Index.

Your weight (in kg) / Your height (in meters)2 = Your BMI
So, for the woman above:
60.75 / (1.7)2 = 21.02

To fall within the "healthy range" on the BMI, your result should be within 20 and 25. Results both smaller and greater than these values are associated with significant health risks.

How can I determine if my body fat percentage is too high?

Another important piece of information is your percentage of body fat. This can be determined by a registered dietitian or an exercise physiologist. Using an instrument called a caliper, the thickness of a fold of skin is measured (for example, on the back of the arm) to estimate your total body fat. The average adult woman of normal weight in the United States may have 20-30% body fat. Adult men in the United States average 10-20% body fat. Athletes usually have less, pregnant women usually have more.

Need to lose some weight?

The best way to lose weight is gradually through a combination of a change in eating habits and increased exercise. Learn more about how to lose weight permanently in a healthy manner at our site.