The prevalence of obesity has risen from 13 to 22.5 percent since 1960. Body mass index is body weight relative to height and correlates to total body fat in adults. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9 and is related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lower HDL level. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or greater.
Waist circumference is associated with abdominal fat.
Excess abdominal fat is an independent predictor of disease risk. A measure of over 35 inches in women and over 40 inches in men indicates increased risk of cardiovascular disease in persons with a BMI of 25 to 34.9. Additional risk factors are elevated blood pressure or cholesterol and family history of obesity-related diseases. The initial treatment goal is 10 percent body weight loss over a six months period, or about 1-2 pounds each week. Successful weight loss is based on both calorie reduction and moderate physical activity at least 30 minutes most days or preferably every day.