When Arnold Schwarzenegger first started making action movies, his BMI was 31. The percentage of body fat is only one consideration when assessing health status. Placement of body fat is crucial. A good predictor of health complications tied to obesity is when a high BMI is accompanied with a high waist measurement. Treatment of obesity in children and adolescents remains controversial.
Many individuals recommend weight maintenance while allowing growth to occur.
Others recommend monitored weight loss, including pharmaceutical therapy, especially for severely obese adolescents. There is agreement on increased physical activity being a major tool for preventing and treating adolescent obesity. Anderson J, Kendall P, Pineda C, ed. 2000 Program Synopsis, Lillian Fountain Smith Conference for Nutrition Educators . Colorado State University, June 2000.