2. The Overweight
Overweight is having more body fat than is optimally healthy.
Being overweight is common especially where food supplies are
plentiful and lifestyles are sedentary.
Excess weight has reached
epidemic proportions globally,
with more than 1 billion adults
being either overweight or
obese in 2003. In 2013 this
increased to more than 2
billion. Increases have been
observed across all age
groups.

3. Classification
O Body mass index.
O Body volume index
O Simple weighing
O Skinfold calipers or ¨pinch
test¨
O Bioelectrical impedance
analysis
O Hydrostatic weighing
O (DEXA) Dual-Energy-X-
ray absorptimetry

4. What causes obesity and
overweight?
The fundamental cause of obesity and
overweight is an energy imbalance
between calories consumed and
calories expended. Globally, there has
been:
O an increased intake of energy-
dense foods that are high in fat.
O an increase in physical inactivity
due to the increasingly sedentary
nature of many forms of work,
changing modes of
transportation, and increasing
urbanization.

5. How can overweight and
obesity be reduced?
O limit energy intake from total
fats and sugars.
O increase consumption of fruit
and vegetables, as well as
legumes, whole grains and
nuts.
O engage in regular physical
activity (60 minutes a day for
children and 150 minutes per
week for adults).
O support individuals in following
the recommendations above,
through sustained political
commitment and the
collaboration of many public
and private stakeholders.
O make regular physical activity
and healthier dietary choices.