Carrying too much fat is called obesity, and puts a person at risk for many serious medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes and even certain forms of cancer. In fact obesity contributes to at least half the chronic diseases in western society. The following table provides a meaningful rating system. THE SAME Overweight means an excess of total body weight based on population averages for heights and body frame size. Athletes and very muscular people may be overweight, but that does not mean they are over fat.
Obesity means an excess of body fat regardless of weight.
But until recently, accurate methods for measuring and monitoring body fat have not been available to the average person. Men A, B and C are exactly the same height. A and B have the same weight, and C weighs considerably more. For his height C appears to be fat. But after analyzing body fat levels, B and C have acceptable percentages while A has above the recommended range and is at a higher health risk.