MEDICAL INFORMATION
OBESITY
Obesity is another term for overweight or fat. The definition depends upon a relative reference to the general population. It is well known that obese children become obese adults, and that normal adults become obese, and that obese adults may become normal. The degree of obesity is determined by the level of calorie intake by the individual, even though there are large individual valuations in appetite, ease of satisfying appetite, and distribution of body fat and in physical activity of obese and non-obese subjects. The distribution of fat between subcutaneous and visceral (abdominal) locations has some relationship to the degree of development of diabetes, atherosclerotic disease and morbidity and mortality. Various measurements are utilized to determine obesity:
- Height = centimeters (cm) (0.01M) or inches (inch = 2.54cm)
- Weight = kilograms (kg) or pound (2.2 pound = 1kg)
- BMI = Body Mass Index = kg / M
- Normal: 23-27
- Skinny: less than 23
- Overweight: more than 28
- BIA= Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
A measurement of electrical resistance of the body which can be used to calculate fat mass, fat-free mass, total body water, and extra-cellular water.
Waist/Hip Circumference: Useful to describe upper and lower body distribution and visceral (abdominal)localization of fat.
Metropolitan Life tables: Approximates degree of obesity relative to a large age adjusted U.S. population and is based on height in inches with shoes on, and weight in pounds with light clothes.