Are normal-weight Americans over-fat?
Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 1999-2004 have recently shown the percent body fat of American adults. Average American men and women have ~28 and 40% body fat. When categorized by BMI and age, the data also show high percent body fat values, particularly in lower BMI categories. These data should make one reflect on the health status of Americans in all BMI categories and the use of these data for public health recommendations.
Department of Medicine, New York Obesity Research Center, St Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital and College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
Marie-Pierre
MP
St-Onge
D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D006801:Humans; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D050177:Overweight / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012016:Reference Values; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology