overweight

Overweight is a condition in which a person’s body weight is higher than what is considered healthy for their height. In clinical practice it is most commonly defined by a body mass index (BMI) between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m2. BMI is a simple screening tool calculated from height and weight, but it does not directly measure body fat or its distribution.

Overweight is associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, certain cancers, and osteoarthritis. The level of risk generally rises with greater BMI and with where fat is distributed, notably abdominal fat. Age, sex, ethnicity, and other health conditions can influence risk. The condition is also linked to reduced physical function and quality of life in some individuals.

BMI has limitations: it cannot distinguish between fat and lean mass and may misclassify athletes or people with high muscle mass. Additional measures, such as waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio, help assess central adiposity. In children, overweight is defined using age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than fixed BMI cutoffs.

Management focuses on modest, sustained weight loss and the prevention of further gain. Approaches typically include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral support. For some individuals with higher BMI or related health problems, pharmacotherapy or bariatric procedures may be appropriate. Public health efforts emphasize prevention, healthy environments, and reducing weight-related stigma.