Defining Overweight and Obese

Overweight and obese are labels for weight ranges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, weights in these ranges are higher than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. Having a weight in one of these categories may increase your risk for certain diseases and health problems. The definitions of overweight and obese are different for adults than children.

Definitions for Adults 

Weight ranges for adults are defined using body mass index. BMI is a number, usually between 15 and 40, calculated from a person's height and weight. The easiest way to determine your BMI is to use theAcademy online calculator. A calculator will give you both your BMI and the weight category your BMI falls within.

Weight ranges for adults are:

BMI		WEIGHT CATEGORY
Below 18.5		Underweight
18.5 to 24.9		Normal
25.0 to 29.9		Overweight
30.0 and above		Obese

While most people associate BMI with body fat, it is not a direct measurement of body fat. This means some people can have a BMI in the overweight range even though they do not have excess body fat. This is especially true for athletes.

Definitions for Children and Teens 

For people ages 2 to 19, BMI is referred to as BMI-for-age and is determined using height, weight, age and gender. Body fat varies at different ages; boys and girls tend to have different amounts of body fat.

BMI-for-age is given as a percentile that shows where a child's or teen's BMI falls in comparison to others of the same age and gender. (See CDC's BMI Calculator for Child and Teen.)

Weight ranges for children and teens are:

BMI		WEIGHT CATEGORY
Less than 5th percentile		Underweight
5th to 85th percentile		Normal
85th to 95th percentile		Overweight
More than 95th		Obese

As with adults, BMI-for-age should be used as a screening tool, not as a diagnostic test. A health-care provider needs more information to determine if excess fat is a health problem. In addition to calculating BMI-for-age, a health-care provider may ask about your family health history, eating habits and the amount of physical activity your child gets. Additional assessments may include skin fold thickness measurements and lab tests for cholesterol and blood glucose (blood sugar) levels.

Overweight and Obese as Stereotypes 

While the terms overweight and obese have precise definitions as noted above, these labels take on other meanings in our weight-obsessed society. Often, overweight and obese people are stereotyped. They may endure unfair treatment because of their weight. Larger children are often the target of weight-related teasing and bullying by other children and adults. 

Overweight and obese are terms that refer only to a general estimate of an individual's body weight. They do not in any way reflect on a person's competence, self-discipline, drive or ability to lead a healthy lifestyle.