Who really determines if I am overweight or obese? In 1943, Metropolitan Life Insurance, a US-based company, introduced its standard height/weight table for men and women. It was adjusted in 1983 and gives standards for small-, medium- and large-frame individuals. The height on this scale assumes shoes with one-inch heels and weight in approximately three pounds of clothing and refers to the 25-59 age group. These charts are no longer used in the scientific community although other people still use them as a guide.

The body mass or the Quetelet index was invented between 1830 and 1850 by mathematician A. Quetelet. It is a statistical measurement which compares a person's weight and height. It is used to identify weight in population by placing individuals in weight categories. Because of its ease of calculation, it is also used as one of the diagnostic tools to identify weight-related risk in individuals.

It has shortcomings as it overlooks muscle density in determining weight and persons with a high muscle mass and not necessarily fat mass can fall in the overweight or even obese category as well as persons with a high-fat mass, such as the elderly, could fall in the healthy weight range, according to the body mass index.

We need some fat

We all need a certain percentage of essential fat to ensure life. Women need to have a higher percentage than men. This higher fat percentage enables hormonal function, reproduction and lactation. There are categorical guides for fat percentage for males and females based on age group and fitness levels. Various techniques are used to estimate body-fat percentage. The accuracy of these techniques depends on the type of tool used and the technical ability and experience of the person using them. Two methods which are commonly used in an office setting are the skin-fold method and the bioelectrical impedance analysis.

It's not a number

Many individuals focused on the number, people often ask, 'At my age and height, what should be my ideal weight?' My frequent answer is that I do not know. I cannot tell you with certainty as there are estimates which are used, but I am not sure if that is your ideal weight. I will then advise the person asking the question to follow a healthy lifestyle which includes what you eat and your activity level. Your body will usually adjust to your healthy weight if you are diligent and consistent and this healthy weight may not always reflect what the population chart says.

Not everybody is going to be happy with my answer. Most people prefer to be tormented with a number and then they will, most likely, embark on an unhealthy course to achieve this number.

Change the focus

Focus consistently on healthy eating, and active living and the body will take care of the rest. Most people know exactly what to do but prefer the quick fixes. The reality is that there is no quick fix. If healthy eating and the enjoyment of a variety of physical activities become your mantra, the body will take care of your healthy weight and fat percentage. Healthy weight is an individual measure and is tied up in your genetics, gender, age and health status.

There are many individuals who live a healthy lifestyle that includes consuming a varied and balanced diet and active living and, though they may not immediately hold that ideal weight number, their health profile and contentment reflect the results of their efforts.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.