Overweight in this case means being about 20 percent or more above a person's desirable weight.

In fact, being overweight can make you more likely to develop high blood pressure than if you are at your desirable weight.

The most desirable weight for a fully developed male is from 33-40 pounds, females weighing proportionately less.

Overweight means about 20 percent or more above a person's desirable weight on standard weight tables.

Surveys from 1976 until 1980 found a quarter of Americans overweight, defined as 20 percent or more above desirable weights.

"So I believe the upward trend in desirable weights is not justified."

Most people with binge-eating disorder are either overweight or obese, defined as being 20% to 30% above their desirable weight.

Being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure than if you are at your desirable weight.

For purposes of the study, obesity was defined as being 20 percent or more above a person's desirable weight.

The reasons for the gain - obesity means 20 percent or more above desirable weight - are not understood.