ABSTRACT
In order to successfully prevent and manage obesity in the workplace, it is necessary to be clear about some basic definitions used in obesity and understand their limitations and why they are important. Usually people are obese when their body mass index (BMI) exceeds a fixed level, but weight is the most popular measure of body fat and, for many individuals, including employees, weight is the most important factor. BMI is used as a surrogate for body fat and has been used in the large-scale studies which look at the increased risks from being overweight and obese. On the genetic side of the argument, there are a few rare gene mutations which lead to gross obesity which presents in childhood. Changes in physical activity have occurred at the same time as changes in eating patterns and types of food consumed.
