Obesity

Question 1

What are the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome?

Answer 1

For a women to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome she must meet at least three of the following criteria:

1) Waist circumference > 88 cm or 35 inches
2) Elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) or on pharmacologic treatment
3) Low HDL (<50 mg/dL)
4) Elevated blood pressure (>130/85) or on pharmacologic treatment
5) Elevated fasting glucose (>110 mg/dL) or on pharmacologic treatment

Question 2

What is BMI and how is it used to classify weight and obesity status?

Answer 2

BMI is defined as weight (kg) / height (m). Weight and obesity are classified by BMI in the following way:

Underweight - BMI <18.5
Normal weight - BMI 18.5 - 24.9
Overweight - 25.0-29.9
Class 1 Obesity - 30.0-34.9
Class 2 Obesity - 35.0–39.9
Class 3 Obesity - >40.0