Defining Overweight and Obesity

Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from weight and height (weight[kg]/height[m]²).


Office of Cancer Control and Prevention logo "The Sussex Warren County Regional Chronic Disease Coalition is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Cancer Control and Prevention. The mission of the Sussex Warren County Regional Chronic Disease Coalition is to implement the New Jersey Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan in Sussex and Warren County. For more information on Comprehensive Cancer Control in New Jersey, please visit: OCCP Tiny arrow to link out."