CalorieConnect.com. Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Defining. Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems. Definitions for Adults For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the "body mass index" (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat. Michael Thurmond's Six Week Body Makeover®