Guidelines for Healthy Weight

The assessment of body fat and the definition of a healthy body weight for an adult are considered and how clinicians can use this information in caring for patients is discussed.

Abstract

Excess body fat is a cause of cardiovascular diseases, several important cancers, and numerous other medical conditions1 and is a growing problem in many countries. In the United States, for example, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity increased by approximately 30 percent from 1980 to 1994.2 In this review we consider the assessment of body fat and the definition of a healthy body weight for an adult. We also discuss how clinicians can use this information in caring for patients. Because overt obesity has undisputed adverse consequences for health, our focus is on lesser degrees of adiposity, the consequences of which . . .