According to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-third of today’s U.S. adults is obese, and another one-third is overweight.
The CDC bases these statistics on people’s body mass index (BMI), which is derived from height and weight. A BMI of 8.5 to 24.9 is in the healthy range; 25 or above, overweight; 30 or above, obese; and 40 or above, extremely obese.
For instance, a person who is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 125 to 168 pounds has a BMI of 8.5 to 24.9 (healthy); 169-202 pounds, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 (overweight); and 203 pounds and up, a BMI of 30-plus (obese).
The CDC notes that body mass index is generally a good indicator of obesity or being overweight, although Kristi Williams, clinical nutrition manager at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, said body fat also should be measured for the most accurate analysis.
To assess your BMI, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi.
