“Overweight” as typically defined by doctors is a condition where your weight is 10-20% higher then the normal person’s weight.  This
normal weight is defined on the standard height and weight charts.

Doctors define “obesity” as the condition where a person’s weight is 20% or greater than normal weight.

“Morbid obesity” is when a persons weight reaches 50-100% over what is considered normal weight.  It is also when a person reaches over 100 pounds above normal weight, such that your weight interferers with your health and/or normal daily functions. Close to one-third of all American adults and nearly one in five children are considered obese.  This equals 60 million people.  Doctors and specialist can preform several test to determine if you are overweight or obese.  Some of these tests are more accurate than the others.

 Here are the different fat measurement tests that are available:

Hydrostatic body fat test.  This test requires that you to be completely submerged in water and your underwater weight is measured and recorded.  This test seems to be the most accurate of all the tests.

Dual energy X-ray absorptioomentry(DEXA).  This test is another very accurate measurement of measuring body fat. This test requires the patient to lay flat for around 25 minutes while all parts of your body are X-rayed.

These are truly accurate procedures to measure body fat, but aren’t used on a regular basis.  Because of the inconvenience of these tests, doctors have developed easier ways to determine if a person is overweight or obese although less accurate.

Calipers.  A caliper measures the body fat in different spots of the body.  This method is commonly used in health clubs and weight loss centers.  It takes measurements by “pinching” and measuring the thickness of skinfolds.  Don’t worry, these pinches don’t hurt.  These result are accurate only if it is performed correctly.

Bioelectric Impedance(BIA).  This process uses a machine that transmits painless and harmless electric current through the person’s body which weighs the differ ent kinds of tissues in the body.  It measures not only weight, but the amount of muscle as well as other lean tissue and fat and water content in the body.  The more fat a person has the more resistance the electric signals faces.  BIA is very accurate.                                                 BIA scales and machines are available to purchase nationwide.

Height and weight charts.  Special standardized charts can be used to gage whether you are overweight or obese.  Find your height on the chart and decide if you are small, medium, or large framed.  Then find your ideal weight range.  Because of many variables, this is not a very accurate measurement.

Body Mass Index or BMI.  Today the BMI is the most commonly used tool to measure obesity levels.  It measures your weight relative to your height.  Ideally you want to be between 18.5-24.9.  If your BMI measurement  falls between 25-29.9 you are considered overweight and anything in the 30-39.9 is considered obese.  You are considered morbidly obese if your rate is 40 or above.  This method is flawed but can give you an indication where you fall.

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