How do we quantify obesity?
This is done by calculating the persons body mass index.BMI is calculated by dividing the persons weight in kilograms by the square of body height in metres.
BMI = Weight in kgs |
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How overweight are you?
All over the world populations are becoming more and more overweight. To measure this, experts now talk about your BMI, or body mass index. This is calculated by dividing your weight in kg by your height in metres, twice. Here are some basic definitions for you.
Weight is commonly measured in Kilograms. The degree of obesity is better measured as BMI (body mass index) which is a ratio of weight and height [Wt in Kg / (Ht in metres)2]. Obesity can be graded as:
Degree of Obesity |
Body Mass Index |
|
|
For Westerners |
For Indians |
Overweight |
25.0–29.9 |
22.5 – 27.5 |
Obesity |
30–34.9 |
27.5 – 32.5 |
Severe obesity |
35–39.9 |
32.5 – 37.5 |
Morbid obesity |
40–49.9 |
37.5 – 47.5 |
Superobesity |
> 50 |
> 47.5 |