This is true even in Ghana, where in spite of food security problems and significant rates of malnutrition only slightly more people are underweight than overweight. In the United States, obesity dramatically increased in the 1980s. There is some evidence however, that this trend is leveling off among women. Meanwhile, obesity in Middle Eastern women is considerably more common than in Western women. The most accurate method of determining body composition is underwater weighing in combination with skinfold thickness measurements.
Scientists use a body mass index figure to determine who is overweight and obese.
To determine body mass index, multiply weight in pounds by 703. Then divide that result by height in inches squared. At 158 pounds, the person would have a BMI of 30 and be considered obese. In addition, negative attitudes towards the obese can lead to discrimination in many areas of life including health care and employment. And the psychological consequences of obesity can range from lowered self-esteem to clinical depression.