More U.S. Women May Be Obese Than Thought

A new study says federal guidelines on obesity should be revised so more women fit into the category of "obese." U.S. guidelines determine who is obese based on body-mass index, a measurement of whether a person's height and weight are proportional.

The researchers found that about half the women of reproductive age considered obese under World Health Organization guidelines -- which use body-fat analysis instead -- were not obese under federal guidelines. Under the international guidelines, about half of white women and more than two-thirds of Latino women are considered obese.

"BMI is not 'one size fits all.' Inaccurate classification can decrease the impact of obesity prevention programs that will result in many women not receiving the help they need," study senior author Dr. Abbey Berenson, director of the university's Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health, said. The researchers predict that further studies will show similar results for men and other age groups. The study will appear in the May issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Bonnie - I have never liked the BMI classification. Body fat is where it's at.