National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

How is obesity classified in relation to weight for height?

1. 25 pounds over recommended weight

2. 35 pounds over recommended weight

3. An individual who is 45 pounds over the recommended weight for height

4. 15 pounds under recommended weight

The correct answer is: An individual who is 45 pounds over the recommended weight for height

Obesity is typically classified using a measure known as body mass index (BMI), which is a calculation based on weight and height. When assessing obesity, it is crucial to consider specific thresholds. The classification of obesity often distinguishes between different levels, such as class I, class II, and class III, with class III obesity sometimes referred to as "severe" or "morbid" obesity occurring when an individual is 40 or more pounds over their recommended weight. In this context, identifying an individual who is 45 pounds over the recommended weight for height aligns with the definition of obesity, particularly severe obesity, making it the correct classification in this scenario. This classification helps healthcare providers identify individuals at a higher risk for various health conditions related to excess weight, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Understanding this classification is essential for interventions, planning treatments, and encouraging lifestyle changes aimed at achieving a healthier weight. In contrast, the other options indicate lesser degrees of weight overages or an underweight classification, which do not meet the standard definitions for obesity. They either fall short of identifying obesity or misrepresent the weight classifications.