How is obesity defined in terms of body fat percentage?

Obesity is primarily defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 30. This classification is based on a relationship between an individual’s weight and height, and it serves as a standard screening tool to categorize individuals into various weight categories, including underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. While body fat percentage can provide a more direct measurement of body composition, BMI is the most widely used and recognized metric for defining obesity in clinical settings and public health discussions.

The BMI categorization system is used because it is simple and does not require specialized equipment to assess body fat directly, making it accessible for large-scale research and health assessments. It is important to note that BMI does not differentiate between fat mass and muscle mass, but it is still an effective way to identify potential obesity and related health risks in the general population.