Unfortunately statistics don’t lie. Obesity has become the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. today falling behind smoking.

Over 100 million adults in America are either overweight or obese. How do you truly know if you fall into one of those categories? Sure, maybe last season’s jeans are a little snugger this season but does that make you overweight?

Am I overweight is one of the most common questions asked or thought about. It seems like an easy question to answer but for adults it’s not as easy as saying yes because your skinny jeans don’t fit anymore or you have to lie on the bed and suck in to button them.

There are so many different body types to where you can’t just say a person this height should weigh this much. Some people are more muscular and developed than others so no single number can be given to what is the right weight for everyone.

For example athletes tend to have extra muscle, which will cause them to weigh more than someone the same height. It doesn’t mean the athlete is overweight it simply means they have a higher body mass index (BMI). It is a known fact that muscle weighs more than fat. However someone the same height and weight may be considered overweight because they have too much body fat.

Using a standard height/weight chart will give you a general idea as to where you should fall weight wise but it does not account for someone who is a little more muscular.

Physicians define an individual as overweight as someone whose weight is 10-20 percent higher than normal based on a standard height/weight chart.
Obesity is defined as a person whose weight is 20 percent or more above their normal weight. Morbid obesity is considered someone who weighs 50-100 percent over the normal weight.

Remember height/weight tables aren’t specific to your body type and not an exact answer to the question of whether you are overweight or not but it will give you a general idea of what someone your height would normally weigh.

There are several tests that your physician or a fitness clinic can perform to tell you exactly if you are overweight or obese and if you should consider losing weight. Measuring body fat is not an easy task and some tests are more accurate than others.

The most accurate test to measure body fat is the hydrostatic body fat test. This test is conducted while you are submerged in water to obtain your underwater weight.

The results are then compared to the body mass index (BMI) to see if the person’s weight is in a healthy range.
If you are diagnosed as being overweight or especially being obese you must take control and make a lifestyle change. Being overweight and obese can lead to multiple health risks.

You should always talk to your physician about any concerns you may have.
There is no perfect weight. Being healthy is about being at a weight that is right for you, a weight that makes you happy and that doesn’t lead to any possible health risks and diseases.