Overweight vs. Overfat (and the Metropolitan Life Tables)
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"Overweight" is defined against standard weight tables, but the percentage of weight that is fat ("overfat") is a far more meaningful measure of health.
Detail
The difference between being overweight and being overfat is an important distinction. Overweight is frequently defined as 10% in excess of the midpoint of the normal body-weight range in the Metropolitan Life Insurance tables. Unfortunately, this definition does not consider the amount of body fat.
Regarding relative leanness for positive health, the percentage of a person's body weight that is fat is far more meaningful than scale weight. Women and men are obese if they possess greater than 32% and 25% body fat, respectively (see Obesity Thresholds (Body-Fat Percentage)).
Key facts
- Overweight ≈ 10% above the midpoint of the normal weight range in the Metropolitan Life Insurance tables.
- The overweight definition ignores body-fat content.
- Percentage of body weight that is fat (overfat) is far more meaningful for health.
Connections
- Obesity Thresholds (Body-Fat Percentage) — the % body-fat cutoffs for obesity.
- Body Composition (Lean Body Mass vs. Fat Mass) — fat mass vs. lean mass.
Sources
See how this applies in practice, with honest limits on what the plan changes.
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.