How to Identify Obesity?

Are you of normal weight, overweight or obese? Most of us may be depending upon our scales to keep track of our weight. Scales even though very useful, do not take into account factors such as height, muscles mass, foods consumed etc. Many methods are available which can help you to identify obesity.

Methods to Identify Obesity:
The following are the methods to identify obesity:

• Height and Weight Charts: These charts have tables which contain the ideal weights for men and women based on the height and frame. Body frames are divided into normal, medium and large categories. These charts are useful to know you are obese, overweight or normal
• Body Mass Index (BMI): The BMI is most commonly used tool to measure if you are of normal weight, overweight, or obese. Based on your height and weight, the BMI can be calculated. If your BMI is below 18.5, you are underweight; 18.5 to 24.9, you are normal; 25 to 29.9, you are overweight; 30 to 39.9 you are obese; 40 and above, you are morbidly obese
• Calipers: In this method, a tester uses skinfold calipers to pinch the skin at several places in your body. The thickness of fat apart from the muscle and bone is determined. These measurements are used in a formula to calculate the fat content. Make sure the tester is a trained professional to get an accurate result
• Hydrostatic Water Test: In this test, the body weight is calculated in water while the body is submerged. It is compared with the body weight on land to determine your fat content. This test is based on the principle that fat floats in water and muscle sinks
• Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA): In this test, a painless, low electricity signal is sent through the body. The signal travels slowly through fat and faster through muscle. This method is easy and helpful to determine you body fat
• Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA): DEXA uses two low-dose x-rays to determine the bone mass and body fat in the body. This method is very reliable and takes about 20 to 30 minutes

Apart from BMI and charts, other tests measure the body fat. Measuring the body fat is very useful to identify obesity. Hence, get yourself tested and know your body condition to be fit and healthy.