How heavy someone or something is.
The quality or quantity of being heavy; the amount a thing weighs. Weight is the effect of gravity, or the downward pressure of a body under the influence of gravity; therefore, weight constitutes a measure of the force of gravity. Weight is proportional to the amount of matter in a body.
The gravitational force exerted on an object, usually by the earth. The unit of weight is the newton; 1 newton equals 0.225 lb. The difference between weight and mass is that the weight of an object varies with the force of gravity, but the mass remains the same. For example, an object weighs less on the moon than on earth because the force of gravity is less on the moon; but the object’s mass is the same in both places.
Weight refers to the measure of the heaviness of a person or object. In the case of children, weight serves as a standard indicator of their growth. Among healthy adults, weight typically remains relatively constant when the intake of dietary energy aligns with energy expenditure. Any deviations from this equilibrium result in either weight loss or weight gain.
One method for evaluation involves calculating the body mass index (BMI), also known as Quetelet’s index. This is achieved by dividing an individual’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. A BMI falling within the range of 20 to 25 kg/m² is generally regarded as indicative of a healthy weight, whereas a score exceeding 25 might suggest that an individual is overweight.
Nonetheless, BMI has its limitations when it comes to determining whether a person is medically overweight or underweight. For example, an individual with significant muscle mass may register a high BMI while still possessing a healthy body composition. Conversely, someone with a small frame may have an elevated BMI despite carrying excess body fat. Therefore, evaluating the percentage of body fat provides a more accurate assessment of a person’s healthy or unhealthy weight. Additionally, the distribution of body fat plays a crucial role; individuals with central obesity, as indicated by a high waist-to-height ratio, are generally considered less healthy than those with a more evenly distributed fat pattern.
In the case of children, weight can be compared to standardized growth charts specific to age, which vary depending on the child’s gender and race. These weight charts are instrumental in assessing a child’s overall well-being and development. Regardless of age, deviations from these standard benchmarks, whether measured through BMI or body fat percentages, can carry medical significance. If an individual falls into the “underweight” category, it may indicate insufficient nutrition, potentially stemming from an inadequate diet or an underlying medical condition. Conversely, if someone is classified as “significantly overweight,” they might be dealing with obesity.