Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults

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To obtain a copy, please contact:
Health Canada Publications Centre
0900C2 Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0K9
Tel: (613) 954-5995
Fax: (613) 941-5366

©Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada (2003)

Cat no: H49-179/2003E
ISBN: 0-662-33431-0
Publications ID: 4645

Our mission is to help the people of Canada maintain and improve their health.
Health Canada

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Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults

Health Canada encourages the widespread acceptance and use of this updated body weight classification system.

Please address comments to:
Director General
Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion
Health Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

No changes permitted. Reprint permission not required

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary

1. Introduction

1.1 Weight-related health risks
1.2 Developing a body weight classification system

2. Description of the Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults

2.1 Tables
2.2 General use and limitations of the body weight classification system
2.3 Use with populations
2.4 Use with individuals

3. Use, interpretation and limitations

3.1 Body mass index
3.2 Body mass index categories
3.3 Waist circumference
3.4 Waist circumference cut-off points
3.5 Special considerations

a) adults over age 65
b) race and ethnicity
c) physical fitness and diet

4. Rationale and justification for decisions

4.1 Lower BMI cut-off point
4.2 Overweight and obese categories
4.3 Waist circumference and waist circumference cut-off points
4.4 Upper age limit
4.5 Terminology

5. Summary and recommendations

6. References

7. Appendices

7.1 Process to develop the report
7.2 Members of the Expert Working Group
7.3 Members of Health Canada's Project Team
7.4 List of background papers
7.5 Stakeholder organizations consulted
7.6 Body mass index nomogram
7.7 Waist circumference measurement
7.8 1988 Canadian Guidelines for Healthy Weights
7.9 WHO weight classification system