How is obesity measured?

Body mass index (BMI):

BMI is a number based on both your height and weight. It can help you determine the degree to which you may be overweight and gives a reasonable assessment of total body fat for the general population.

If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, or approximately 50 pounds over the healthy weight range for your height, you would be classified as being obese. However, BMI does not take into account those with weight increased due to high muscle mass. Muscle mass and health-related problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, should be considered when determining whether someone is obese.

The size of your waist is another good indicator of health risk. People who have a larger waist circumference because excess fat settles around their stomach and abdomen are “apple-shaped” and are at greater risk for weight-related health problems than people who are “pear-shaped,” with excess fat in their lower body (i.e., hips and thighs).