Classification of obesity

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Obesity and BMI
A front and side view of a morbidly obese male torso. Stretch marks of the skin are visible along with gynecomastia.
An obese male with a body mass index of 53 kg/m2: weight 182 kg (400 lb), height 185 cm (6 ft 1 in)

Obesity classification is a ranking of obesity, the medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it has an adverse effect on health.[1] The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies obesity by body mass index (BMI). BMI is further evaluated in terms of fat distribution via the waist–hip ratio and total cardiovascular risk factors.[2][3] In children, a healthy weight varies with sex and age, and obesity determination is in relation to a historical normal group.[4]

  1. ^ WHO 2000 p. 6
  2. ^ Sweeting HN (October 2007). "Measurement and definitions of obesity in childhood and adolescence: a field guide for the uninitiated". Nutrition Journal. 6 (1): 32. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-6-32. PMC 2164947. PMID 17963490.
  3. ^ NHLBI p.xiv
  4. ^ "Healthy Weight: Assessing Your Weight: BMI: About BMI for Children and Teens". Center for disease control and prevention. Retrieved 6 April 2009.