Human body weight

Overview of human body weight

Human body weight refers to the mass or weight of a person. It is measured in kilograms or pounds, depending on the region. Body weight is an important indicator of health and is used in various medical and fitness assessments.

Obesity-waist circumference

Factors affecting body weight

Several factors can influence a person's body weight, including:

• Genetics: Genetic makeup can affect metabolism and body composition.
• Diet: The types and amounts of food consumed directly impact body weight.
• Physical activity: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight by burning calories.
• Metabolism: The rate at which the body burns calories can vary between individuals.
• Hormones: Hormonal imbalances can lead to weight gain or loss.
• Age: Metabolism tends to slow down with age, affecting weight.
• Sleep: Poor sleep patterns can contribute to weight gain.

Measuring body weight

Body weight is typically measured using a weighing scale. It is important to measure weight consistently, at the same time of day and under similar conditions, to track changes accurately.

Body weight and health

Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial for overall health. Being overweight or underweight can lead to various health issues:

• Obesity: Excess body weight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Underweight: Being underweight can lead to malnutrition, osteoporosis, and anemia.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common method used to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The BMI categories are:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25–29.9
• Obesity: BMI ≥ 30

See also

• Body composition
• Caloric intake
• Weight management
• Nutrition

External links

• CDC - Healthy Weight
• WHO - Obesity and Overweight