To know if you're overweight, calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) using your height and weight, where a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 generally indicates being overweight, but also consider waist circumference and consult a doctor, as BMI isn't perfect for everyone (athletes, older adults, different ethnicities). A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is healthy, while 30+ is obese.
A weight of 70kg can fall within the healthy weight range for various individuals. Height plays a significant role. A shorter individual might find a BMI of 70kg within a healthy range, whereas a taller person could potentially fall into the overweight or even the obesity category using the same metric.
A BMI score of between 25 and 29.9 is classed as 'overweight'. This category of BMI is associated with a higher risk of health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and certain types of cancer. If you want to lose weight, a good approach is to reduce your calorie intake by around 600 calories per day.
BMI between 18.5 and 24.9: you are in a healthy weight range. BMI between 25.0 and 29.9: you are considered to be overweight. BMI equal to 30.0 or above: you are considered to be obese.
Symptoms of Obesity
The phrase 'skinny fat' or metabolically obese normal weight (MONW) is used to describe someone who appears to be lean, but actually has a high body fat percentage. If they were to calculate their body mass index (BMI) or even weigh themselves, they may appear to be healthy, but this can be deceiving.
What raises the risk of overweight and obesity?
Day-to-day problems related to obesity include:
Whether 80 kg is overweight for a woman depends entirely on her height, as weight is relative to body size; using Body Mass Index (BMI) or height charts shows that for shorter women (e.g., under 160cm/5'3"), 80kg is likely obese, while for taller women (e.g., over 175cm/5'9"), it might fall within the healthy to overweight range, but always use a calculator for accuracy as BMI doesn't account for muscle.
under 18.5kg/m2 – you are considered underweight and possibly malnourished. 18.5 to 24.9kg/m2 – you are within a healthy weight range for young and middle-aged adults. 25.0 to 29.9kg/m2– you are considered overweight. over 30kg/m2 – you are considered obese.
Everyone can take steps to:
Fat loss is generally healthier as it preserves lean muscle mass, which is crucial for metabolism and overall health. Combine regular exercise (like resistance training and cardio) with a balanced, protein-rich diet, adequate hydration, and good sleep.
"Chubby" isn't a medical term, but it generally refers to being in the Overweight BMI category (25.0 - 29.9 kg/m²) or starting to enter the Obese range (30+ kg/m²), though BMI doesn't account for muscle, body fat percentage, or body composition, making it a general guideline for adults. To find your weight in kg, calculate your BMI: Weight (kg) / Height (m)², and use the ranges (Healthy: 18.5-24.9; Overweight: 25-29.9; Obese: 30+) to see where you stand.
You can see that the optimum body fat percentage for physical attractiveness is around 12%, with both lower and higher values resulting in lower ratings of attractiveness. Within the healthy body fat percentage range though, the differences aren't major.
Here's how to whittle down where it matters most.
Symptoms of Weight Gain
The most common signs include: Changes in fat distribution. Changes in weight. Increased waist circumference.
Sleep deprivation has long been linked to an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. Researchers found that getting less than seven hours of sleep resulted in weight changes and may lead to weight gain, either by increasing food intake or decreasing energy burned.
Reducing calories and practicing healthier eating habits are key to overcoming obesity. Although you may lose weight quickly at first, steady weight loss over the long term is considered the safest way to lose weight. It's also the best way to keep weight off permanently. There is no best weight-loss diet.
Weight loss becomes more difficult after 45 due to changes in metabolism, hormone levels, and muscle mass. As we age, our body's ability to burn calories slows down, and hormonal shifts can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
No single body part loses fat first. Everyone loses fat from different places initially, depending on a variety of factors. In general, women may lose fat from their legs first, and men may lose fat from their torsos first — but it's highly individual.
Body Shapes with the Highest Risk of Health Problems
Apple and pear body shapes tend to have the highest risk. Apples tend to be at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, and strokes because they hold a larger amount of tummy fat.