The newest advice is that body fat is a better predictor of health than body weight. It's not enough to simply keep those pounds in check. The latest word from the medical community is the type of weight you're carrying around makes a big difference. Carrying too much body fat can be deadly.
Obesity is linked strongly with diabetes and heart disease, as well as with some cancers.
Koop's goal is that Americans will understand their body fat percentage, just as well as they know their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Body fat can be checked in several ways. At Health by Design in San Antonio, clients are gauged with calipers. By pinching and measuring in three places, people can get a good idea of their weight health. If you get down to 25 percent, you won't be perfect, but you'll be much healthier than you were at 30 percent.