Anthropometric measurements Background information EHES Training material

BMI and abdominal obesity Height and weight are used to calculate BMI, an indicator of obesity BMI=weight (kg)/ height (m) 2 Waist circumference is an indicator of abdominal obesity

Classification of BMI ClassificationBMI Underweight< 18.5 Normal weight18.5 – Overweight≥ 25 Obese≥ 30 Waist circumference, cut-points for abdominal obesity: > 102 cm for men > 88 cm for women

Obesity as a risk factor

Fundamental causes for obesity and overweight An energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended Sedentary lifestyle Lack of physical activity, irregular sleep patterns Unhealthy diet and eating habits E.g. increased intake of fat, salt and sugars Irregular eating patterns Health behavior changes due to environmental and societal changes

Other causes for obesity and overweight Some medications E.g. antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, steroids and beta blockers Some medical problems E.g. hypothyreosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc. Genetic factors

Reporting bias People may not know their current height and weight Self-reported height is usually overestimated by 1.5 cm Self-reported weight is usually underestimated by kg Obese people underestimate their weight more than people with normal weight

Gender differences Women underestimate their weight more than men Men overestimate their height more than women

Acknowledgements Slides: Hanna Tolonen, Päivikki Koponen, Johanna Mäki-Opas