Weight Loss Reading Wants to be Sure We’re All On the Same Page

Weight loss can be confusing all on its own and talking about all of the terms that go with fat, overweight, and obesity can get overwhelming.  So let’s make some things clear so we’re all talking on the same wavelength.  I actually thought it would be beneficial if I went to the Federal Government to help us out.  They’ve got loads of experts who have spent a lot of time analyzing our weight and here is how they define overweight and obesity for us.

Defining Overweight and Obesity

Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.

Definitions for Adults

For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.

* An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
* An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

See the following table for an example.

Height….Weight Range………..BMI…………..Considered
5′ 9″            124 lbs or less             Below 18.5          Underweight
5′ 9″              125 lbs to 168 lbs      18.5 to 24.9      Healthy weight
5′ 9″              169 lbs to 202 lbs    25.0 to 29.9        Overweight
5′ 9″              203 lbs or more        30 or higher            Obese

It is important to remember that although BMI correlates with the amount of body fat, BMI does not directly measure body fat. As a result, some people, such as athletes, may have a BMI that identifies them as overweight even though they do not have excess body fat. For more information about BMI, visit Body Mass Index.

Other methods of estimating body fat and body fat distribution include measurements of skinfold thickness and waist circumference, calculation of waist-to-hip circumference ratios, and techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Definitions for Children and Teens

For children and teens, BMI ranges above a normal weight have different labels (overweight and obese). Additionally, BMI ranges for children and teens are defined so that they take into account normal differences in body fat between boys and girls and differences in body fat at various ages. For more information about BMI for children and teens (also called BMI-for-age), visit BMI for Children and Teens.

Having this general knowledge will be very helpful as you begin your weight loss journey.  Do you need to focus on your BMI?  Absolutely not.  It’s helpful to know about it as a general indication at how much weight you do need to lose and perhaps how long you’re going to have to work to get to your ideal weight.

Knowledge, education, and determination are all part of the key to being successful when it comes to weight loss.  So let’s get to work and learn all we can before starting.