Obesity is often defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that could possibly impair health. Sometimes the affect on a person’s health is minor while other times it could be very serious.
Further Explanation
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “overweight” as a BMI equal to or more than 25, and “obesity” as a BMI equal to or more than 30. These cut-off points provide a benchmark for individual assessment. However, there is evidence that the risk of chronic disease in populations increases progressively in individuals as their BMI increases.
Body Mass Index Measurement
Body mass index (BMI) is a simple measurement index used that is based on weight-for-height ratios. This is in fact the most commonly used scale for classifying an adult overweight or obese.
A person’s BMI is usually measured using this formula: kg/m2. This refers to the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters.
BMI provides the most useful population-level overweight and obesity measurement, and it has been proved as a useful tool for both sexes as well as people of all ages. However, it should not be considered a perfect science.
The body mass index is intended to be a rough guide. It may not correspond to the same degree of fatness in different individuals.
For Children
Some new WHO child growth standards were launched in April 2006. BMI charts for infants as well as children up to age 5. However, the measurements used to determine if one is overweight and obese in children aged 5 to 14 years is more challenging than for younger children.
The reason why is there is no standard definition of childhood obesity applied worldwide. However, an international growth reference for school-age children and adolescents is being organized.
At any rate, the use of this BMI scale for children is done to help make sure childhood obesity is fought. This is one way to help teach a child how to be physically fit.
Tags: BMI, Chronic disease, Definition, Explanation, Fat accumulation, Increase, International growth reference, Measurement, Population, WHO, Wolrd Health Organization