Britannica AI Icon

body weight

physiology
Also known as: bodyweight

Quick Summary

The human body is composed of water, fat, protein, and minerals, with proportions varying by sex and genetics. Body fat can be measured through various methods, including underwater weighing and skinfold calipers.1

Obesity, defined as excessive body fat, is a global epidemic linked to numerous health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. It's influenced by both genetics and environmental factors such as diet and physical activity. The body mass index (BMI) is a common measure for assessing weight status, with a BMI of 30 or higher indicating obesity.23

As people age, lean body mass typically decreases, while body fat and water may increase, leading to changes in metabolism and potentially increasing the risk of metabolic diseases. The hypothalamus plays a role in regulating body weight and appetite.45

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.