Obesity
Obesity
Overweight and obesity are defined using a tool called Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a way of estimating total body fat for most people. The easiest way to find out your BMI is to use a BMI table for adults (see below). There is also a handy BMI calculator at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s web site (see resources at the end of this FAQ). To find your BMI, you need to know your height and your weight.
How Big Of A Problem Is Obesity In America?
Obesity is a serious issue in the United States. In fact, many experts believe it has become a nationwide epidemic. The incidence of obesity among American adults has increased dramatically in recent years. For instance, in 1991, only 12% of adults were obese. But by the year 2001, almost 21 percent of American adults were obese.