Guidelines
for Body Weight
Classification in Adults
Guidelines for
Body Weight Classification in Adults is an update of the
weight classification system that has been in use in Canada since
1988. The Guidelines describe a body weight classification system
used to identify health risks associated with body weight in individuals
and in populations. They are aligned with the World Health Organization's
recommendations widely adopted internationally.
The system uses two measures to indicate health risks: the body
mass index (BMI) and the waist circumference (WC). BMI is an indicator
of health risk associated with underweight and overweight, and
WC is used as an indicator of health risk associated with abdominal
obesity.
The updated system applies only to Canadians age 18 years and
over. It is not intended for use with women who are pregnant or
lactating.
The technical report and Quick Reference tool are intended for
health professionals, researchers and educators. Questions and
Answers for Professionals and for the Public provide more information
about the Guidelines.
Resources
Background
Health Canada commissioned background papers to provide the rationale
and scientific evidence to support the review and update of the
weight classification system.
A
Review of Weight Guidelines (2001)
This document provides a snapshot of weight guidelines in use
at the national, provincial/territorial, and international levels.
The Guidelines were developed by
Health Canada with guidance from an Expert Working Group consisting
of Canadian researchers and practitioners with relevant expertise.
Health
Canada has no affiliation or relationship with PreventDisease.com
Reference Source 35
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