Overweight and obesity are among the most serious health problems in Arkansas today and are at epidemic proportions in our state. More than a third of Arkansans are overweight and almost one third are obese. In short, two thirds of Arkansans are too fat. And for the first time in our nation’s history, obese children and teens are developing chronic diseases formerly seen only in adults.
Obesity has been connected with high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is used to measure overweight and obesity. It is based on a formula of fat to lean body mass.
| Classification |
BMI |
| Underweight |
Less than 18.5 |
| Normal Weight |
18.5 to 24.9 |
| Overweight |
25 to 29.9 |
| Obese |
30.0 and above |
Arkansas BMI, 2008
34% Normal Weight
36% Overweight
30% Obese
There are some concerns about using BMI as the sole measure of excess weight since it cannot distinguish between fat and muscle. People with a significant amount of muscle may have higher BMIs but not have an unhealthy amount of body fat. In addition, there may be some ethnic or racial differences. For example, those of African and/or Polynesian descent may have less body fat and leaner muscle tissue suggesting higher baseline BMIs for overweight and obesity. Those of Asian and Aboriginal descent, in spite of healthy BMIs, may still be at high risk of weight related problems.
In recognition of these potential shortcomings of BMI, another measure of obesity and overweight, waist circumference or stomach fat, is also used.
| Gender |
Waist Circumference |
| Men |
More Than 40 Inches |
| Woman |
More Than 35 Inches |
Classification of Overweight and Obesity by BMI and Waist Circumference
|
Weight Class
|
BMI
|
Obesity Class
|
Men: 40 inches
or less
|
Women: 35 inches or less
|
Men: 40+ inches
|
Women 35 + inches
|
|
Underweight
|
Less than 18.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Normal
|
18.5-24.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overweight
|
25.0-29.0
|
|
Increased risk
|
Increased risk
|
High risk
|
High risk
|
|
Obese
|
30.0-34.9
|
I
|
High risk
|
High risk
|
Very high
risk
|
Very high risk
|
|
|
35.0-39.9
|
II
|
Very high
risk
|
Very high
risk
|
Very high risk
|
Very high risk
|
|
Extremely Obese
|
40.0+
|
III
|
Extremely
high risk
|
Extremely
high risk
|
Extremely
high risk
|
Extremely
high risk
|
Source: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Accessed September 3, 2009.
By any measure Arkansas ranks among the top ten most obese states in the country.
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