Hispanic Latino Health

Hola Amigos,

Let’s talk about two key words used to describe body weight.  These terms are overweight and obesity.  In addition, let’s discuss how the terms are defined.

First, we will talk about the term overweight.  Overweight is a state in which a person weighs too much.  It is important to note that this state includes weight from fat, muscle, bone, and body water (MedlinePlus, 2009).  In adults, overweight can be further defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 (CDC, 2010).

The second word to explore is obesity.  Obesity is a condition defined as having too much body fat (MedlinePlus, 2009).  This definition does not take into consideration other factors that may increase weight. In adults, obesity can be further defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher (CDC, 2010).

An important point to be aware of is, BMI does not measure body fat directly (CDC, 2010).

Weight Management Resources on the Web:

The Obesity Society:  http://www.obesity.org/

Weight Control Information Network: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  (2010).  Defining overweight and obesity.  Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/defining.html

MedlinePlus.  (2009). Obesity.  Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/obesity.html