The term “obesity” implies an excess of adipose tissue (fat) and excess adiposity is a health risk.‘f2 All definitions of obesity are arbitrary because the distribution of weight in the population is a curve; the division between the obese and non-obese groups is not clear cut. The most widely used measurement in clinical practice is the Body Mass Index
(BMI); the BMI is defined as the ratio of body weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of height (in metres).’ In adults, the normal range of the BMI is 20 to 25; a BMI of 25.1 to 29.9 is overweight and a BMI of 30 and above is obese. Morbid obesity is present when the BMI is 40.0 and above.lt2
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The author(s) declare there are no affiliations with or involvement in any organisation or entity with any financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
