Weight alone is not a clear indicator of good health because
it does not distinguish between pounds that come from body fat
and those that come from lean body mass or muscle. Carrying
too much fat is a condition called obesity, and puts a person
at risk for many serious medical conditions including heart
disease, diabetes and even certain forms of cancer. In fact,
obesity contributes to at least half the chronic diseases in
western society.
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Overweight means an excess of total body weight
based on population averages for heights and body frame sizes.
Athletes and very muscular people may be overweight, but that
does not mean they are over fat. Obesity means an excess of body
fat regardless of weight.
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Men A, B and C are exactly the same height. A and B have the same
weight, and C weighs considerably more. For his height C appears
to be fat. But after analyzing body fat levels, B and C have acceptable
percentages while A has above the recommended range and is at
a higher health risk.
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