History of Science & Technology

摘要

The incidence of obesity in the U.S. is at epidemic levels (CDC, 2009). Currently, over 34 percent of US Adults have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 (CDC, 2007). This statistic equates to over 72 million obese Americans (CDC, 2007). Is the current Body Mass Index measure presenting a clear picture of obesity in the United States? This presentation provides an historical accounting of obesity measurements and standards with emphasis on the effectsthese measures have on society's perception of obesity, health, and wellbeing. Alternative measures of ideal body weight and lean body weight will be presented.