Overweight

Definition

Overweight is a term used to describe when someone has more body weight than is considered normal or healthy for their height. It is often assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which compares weight to height.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Overweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. BMI provides a useful measure of overweight and obesity as it is the same for both sexes and for all ages of adults.

Benefits

• While the term 'overweight' doesn't generally carry health benefits, certain cases, such as increased muscle mass, can sometimes result in a higher BMI without associated health risks.

Examples

Additional Information

• knownIssues: Being overweight can increase the risk of numerous health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

Related Terms

• Body Mass Index
• Obesity
• Underweight
• Normal Weight

References

• World Health Organization: Obesity and overweight
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Defining Adult Overweight & Obesity