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Body Fatness

BODY FATNESS

Be as lean as possible within the normal range1 of body weight

PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS
Median adult body mass index (BMI) to be between 21 and 23, depending on the normal range for different populations2 The proportion of the population that is overweight or obese to be no more than the current level, or preferably lower, in 10 years.

PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Ensure that body weight through childhood and adolescent growth projects3 towards the lower end of the normal BMI range at age 21
Maintain body weight within the normal range from age 21
Avoid weight gain and increases in waist circumference throughout adulthood.

  1. 'Normal range' refers to appropriate ranges issued by national governments or the World Health Organization
  2. To minimise the proportion of the population outside the normal range
  3. 'Projects' in this context means following a pattern of growth (weight and height) throughout childhood that leads to adult BMI at the lower end of the normal range. Such patterns of growth are specified in International Obesity Task Force and WHO growth reference charts