HISTORY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN
THE PHILIPPINES quick runs, distinct body elevations, and
Pre-Spanish times (1521)
Children during the pre-Spanish time were
instructed in the proper use of spears, bows
and arrows, and swords since such
activities are vital and essential in their living
because the skills involved were useful in
fighting off enemies whether man or beast,
finding shelter materials, securing clothing
articles, catching animals for their daily
meals and providing props for their religious
ceremonies. While the elders worked, the
children took time out from their household
chores to indulge in frolics such as: running
and jumping all over the wide open spaces,
crossing streams and rivers, climbing trees,
playing their own game of make believe
imitating their parents in such activities such
as: hunting, fishing, housekeeping, making
weapons and tools and worshipping.
The men and boys were involved in long
distance underwater swimming using a
double underarm stroke, the also do diving
activities to fish and explore pearls which
they sold at a profit to neighboring
countries, other activity engaged is rowing
or paddling the banca.
Pre-Colonial Period
Rituals involving various body movements
and deep breathing exercises to glorify God
and they are fun of performing war dances
to incite the fighting spirit, to express the
hatred the people harbored against their
enemies and the type of vengeance they
had planned and oftentimes, the members
of the war council danced solemnly while
trying to decide the course of war.
A war dance Saut is characterized by
much body quivering performed to the
rhythm of the guimba, or drum. War Dances
Himog or death dance - a ceremonial dance
executed to the accompaniment of the
bangibang, or wooden clapper.
Ritual dances were also performed in
case of illness in the family, the people also
danced to hasten recovery. Funeral Dances
was characterized by slow swinging of feet
up in the air by a line of men standing with
arms on each other's shoulders. When a
person died, the neighbors perform this type
of dance.
Beneseew or witch dance was held
precisely to drive away evil spirits that
inhabit the balete. Tabing Baila is an exotic
ceremonial dance which was a prayer for a
bountiful fish catch. The movements
stimulated those of a fish, with the hands
curling in and out like a fin, arms circle here
and yon, and the body twisting and
contorting much like a marine creature.
Festival Dances like Bumayab - started
auspiciously with a limliwa or chant -
notable for its elaborate footwork and hand
movements - music was provided by gongs,
gongha, tubob, and habit.
Tanggugo a dance with hardly any arm
movement - men and women rotated bodily,
stepped sideways, and stamped animatedly
with kulong-kulong around their feet to the
accompaniment of the tanggungguan, or
gongs suspended by ropes from a triangular
rack. Unomey-umey is a thanksgiving dance
for the diwatas for a rich crop.
Courtship Dances was also famous such
as Tadek were both man and woman
danced on tiptoe, feet remaining always on
the ground carrying a piece of red cloth
which they fluttered from side to side as
they shook their whole body to the measure
of the ganza or native drum. The highlight of
the dance was the exchange of symbolic
keepsakes wherein the wife offers her
husband a dagger to show that she looked
up to him; in turn, the husband gave her a
piece of cloth to signify their common bond.
Kinal- logong is a courtship dance were the
man remained in place as the woman
teasingly sang and danced around him,
trying each time to place a hat on his head.
Wedding dances the babaylan or
priestess usually climaxed a marriage
ceremony with a dance at the end of which
she threw her javelin to kill a sacrificial
animal. Mimetic dances Munggayong a line
of men and another of women participants
danced around a pile of pots. Funny/comical
primitive dances Kinnotan or ant dance
showed a man dancing and gesticulating to
another person who had been attacked by
ants with deft movements, the former
scratched the hurt parts of the body of the
victim.
Even in early times, the Filipinos were
religious people. They performed, for
example, certain rituals which contributed
greatly to their physical development. The
early Filipinos were hardy, adventurous, and
energetic people endowed with a vigorous
and strong physique. Valiant and unafraid,
they frequently engaged in battles. Dancing
was a popular and common activity among
the early Filipinos; almost all occasions
were celebrated by dancing.
Spanish Regime
The Spanish conquest of the Philippines
did not have much effect on the physical
activities of the people, except the enforced
labor among the lower class of the people in
the building of the churches and generally
the people lived in the sedentary life while
waiting for the harvest time after planting.
Bathing, swimming are favorite pastime as
well as Cock fighting as the favorite sport.
Fandango dance) Dancing continued one
of the major physical activities enjoyed by
the people. Other dances also includes:
Curacha Jota, Polka Mazurka, Rigodon
Lanceros. Ceremonial dances were
performed during religious events, like
Santracuzan where in people ate, sang,
drank and danced to their heart's content.
Games were played by the Filipinos during
a grand celebration or after the
Santacruzan. Games like Pabitin, Palo
Sebo⚫ Juego de Anillo was played by the
little children. The young girls play Sungka,
Siklot, piko, luksong tinik and hide and seek.
Young boys play patintero, sipa, topspinning
and kite flying. Card games were very
popular recreational to old folks which were
introduced by the Spaniards.
Schools, colleges and universities were
established for formal training of the
Filipinos. In these institutions, physical
education was not included in the
curriculum. Ateneo de Municipalde Manila
founded by the Jesuits Fathers included
physical education as part of their
curriculum
In 1863 a royal decree established a
Normal School for Men in the City of Manila
and physical education was not included in
the curriculum. A royal decree established
the Superior Normal School for Women and,
still physical education was not included in
the curriculum. In 1893 the Superior Normal
School for Men Teachers (Normal School for
Men) included gymnastics in the curriculum.
1867, the Manila Jockey Club was founded
to supervise the holding of horse races.
 American Period Just as soon as the
American soldiers landed in the Philippines
after the historic event of the signing of the
Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898,
schools reopened. 1901- Physical exercise
was one of the subjects introduced in the
public schools and a regular program of
athletics was developed.
In 1905 Baseball and track and field were
introduced and taught to the young boys in
school 1909- The athletic program for the
schools was inaugurated. 1910, Basketball
was first introduced as a game for girls.
1911, The "Athletic Handbook" was
published. 1914, The Teachers Vacation
Assembly in Manila gave special training to
Filipino teachers, 1919, A syllabus entitled
"Physical Education: A Manual for Teachers"
was published, 1920, Physical education
was made required subjects in the
curriculum of all public schools.1928, A
summer school for coaching was held.
Legal Bases of Physical Education
The following are some of the laws that
reiterate the importance of Physical
Education and achieving holistic
development.
SPORTS
1. 1987 Constitution, Article XIV: Education,
Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and
Sports
Section 19.
(1) The State shall promote physical
education and encourage sports programs,
league competitions, and amateur sports,
including training for international
competitions, to foster self-discipline,
teamwork, and excellence for the
development of a healthy and alert citizenry.
(2) All educational institutions shall
undertake regular sports activities
throughout the country in cooperation with
athletic clubs and other sectors.
2. Republic Act No. 5708: An act providing
for the promotion and financing of an
integrated physical education and sports
development program for the schools in the
Philippines:
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as
"The Schools Physical Education and
Sports Development Act of 1969."
SEC. 2. An integrated physical education
and sports development program in all
schools in the Philippines shall be
undertaken by the Department of Education
in accordance with the following guiding
principles:
1. The goal of physical education is to
instill in young citizens a proper appreciation
of the importance of physical development
hand in hand with the mental development
in individual and social activities;
2. The sports and other activities in a
physical education program should provide
opportunities for the athletic development of
children and youth who have the
competitive spirit as well as grace,
coordination, stamina and strength;
3. A well-rounded physical education
program must be addressed to physical
growth, social training, and personal
discipline for all pupils and students, as well
as superior athletic achievement for those
who are psychologically inclined and
physically gifted; and
 4. An integrated program for sports
development in the schools requires
effective organizational planning and
administration with provisions for adequate
training facilities and sustained stable
financing
What is Physical Education?
Physical Education is "education through
the physical". It aims to develop students'
physical competence and knowledge of
movement and safety, and their ability to
use these to perform in a wide range of
activities associated with the development
of an active and healthy lifestyle. It also
develops students' confidence and generic
skills, especially those of collaboration,
communication, creativity, critical thinking
and aesthetic appreciation. These, together
with the nurturing of positive values and
attitudes in PE, provide a good foundation
for students' lifelong and life-wide learning.
"Physical education is the study, practice,
and appreciation of the art and science of
human movement" (Harrison, Blakemore,
and Buck). While movement is both innate
and essential to an individual's growth and
development, it is the role of physical
education to provide instructional activities
that not only promote skill development and
proficiency, but also enhance an individual's
overall health. Physical education not only
fulfills a unique role in education, but is also
an integral part of the schooling process.
Understanding the Importance
Physical Education
Physical education is beneficial for both the
bodies and minds of students. By being
more active, students will also benefit by
being able to better avoid injury, they will
have more confidence, and they can see
improved mental health. It's important to
educate students on the benefits of
playground and in-school physical activity
and instruct them on issues related to the
human body and other health- related
issues to give them a better understanding
of how their body works,
What is FITNESS?
Fitness was defined as the capacity to carry
out the day's activities without undue
fatigue.
What is Physical fitness?
Is a state of health and well-being and,
more specifically, the ability to perform
aspects of sports, occupations and daily
activities. Physical fitness is generally
achieved through proper nutrition,
moderate-vigorous physical exercise, and
sufficient rest.
BENEFITS of Physical Fitness
 Reduce risk of disease
 Development of physical
components
 Provide better health
of
 Builds stronger Bones, Joints, and
Ligaments
 Maintenance of Optimal Body
Weight
 Boost in energy level
  Improved Appearance
 Relaxation and Stress relief
 Causes Delayed Aging
 Improve your overall health
 Healthier, Longer Life Reduces risk
of disease
 People who participate in regular
exercise have a decreased risk of
developing:
 heart disease
 diabetes
 metabolic syndrome
 different types of cancer
Development of physical fitness
components
Your Guide To Understanding The
Different Components Of Physical
Fitness
Physical fitness is divided into different
component categories that vary from person
to person. Each person can be trained on
these components of physical fitness to
improve certain skills or performance in
activities. Building on specific components
can bring about the changes you desire in
your fitness levels, mental health, and
lifestyle.
Physical fitness is made up of both health-
related fitness components and skills-
related components. The health related-
fitness components relate to how well the
systems of your body operate. Are your
heart and other muscles in good shape?
This type of physical fitness is related to
your overall state of health. The skill-related
fitness items are concerned with abilities
related to sports activities. Are you fast? Do
you have good hand-eye coordination?
Both kinds of fitness are important for
successful participation in sports activities.
However, only the health related
components can be related to the
prevention of disease and the promotion of
health. That is why they are called the
health-related components of fitness.
Maintaining an acceptable level of the
health-related components of fitness is
recognized as a key element in maintaining
a healthy lifestyle. People who attain such
levels of fitness reduce their risks of
developing health problems, such as heart
disease, low back pain, and obesity, and
improve their body's ability to function. This
is why health-related fitness should be the
concern of everyone, regardless of age.
"Many people do not have a clear
understanding of physical fitness. Some
people think you have to be a good athlete
to be physically fit. This is not what a
personal fitness awareness program is
about! Being physically fit is about
understanding the Components of Fitness
and working towards improving them as
best as you can."
Health Related Components
1. Flexibility
Flexibility describes the range of
movement possible at various joints. It is
probably the most frequently overlooked
component of fitness. If you want to be as
good as you can, you must work on
flexibility as regular as you work on
muscular strength and endurance or
cardiovascular efficiency. Because flexibility
is specific to each joint, no single test can
provide complete information about the
flexibility of all major joints of your body.
However, there are several tests that will
give you an Indication of flexibility in joints
most likely needing attention. These tests
include the sit, and reach test, the shoulder
stretch test and the v-sit test,
"The lack of regular movement through a
joint's full range of motion results in a
decrease in flexibility, and sedentary living is
the greatest contributor to the loss of
flexibility with aging.”
2. Cardiovascular Endurance
Cardiovascular fitness relates to the ability
of the heart, blood, blood vessels and the
respiratory system to supply oxygen and
necessary fuel to the muscles during
physical activity The best type of physical
activity for improving cardiovascular fitness
is aerobic activities. Aerobic activities are
those which force the body to use a large
amount of oxygen for a sustained period of
time. Sustained means that the physical
activity should be done for a period of 15 to
30 minutes to get the aerobic benefits.
Examples of aerobic activities are jogging
cycling, swimming, rope jumping, and
aerobic dance.
Certain sports like basketball and soccer
also provide the workout needed to achieve
an aerobic training effect. Aerobic activities
provide a safeguard for your physical and
mental health. Cardiovascular fitness can
be measured in a number of ways. The
most accurate measurement is a stress test
performed on a stationary bicycle or
treadmill. The most common test is the one
mile run for time.
"Cardiovascular fitness is the most
important aspect of physical fitness because
of its potential to reduce risks of developing
chronic diseases."
3. Muscular strength
Muscular strength is the ability of a muscle
group to apply a maximal force against a
resistance one time.
4. Muscular endurance
Muscular endurance is the ability to repeat
muscle movement for a long period of time.
Today, more than ever before, women
want to have well toned muscles. An
important fact to remember though is that
young women cannot develop the large
muscles for the simple reason that they do
not have enough of the necessary hormone
testosterone. Young men on the other hand
have high levels of testosterone, enabling
them to greatly increase their muscle size.
Regardless of your gender, improving your
muscle development will improve your
overall fitness. The partial sit-up test can be
used to measure abdominal strength. Push-
ups, pull-ups and the flexed arm hang are
used to measure muscular strength and
endurance of the upper body.
5. Body composition
Body composition is the ratio of fat to
muscles, bone, and other tissues that
compose your body. A certain amount of
body fat is necessary for good health.
Extremely high or low amounts of fat can
cause health problems. Most young adults
desire a low percentage of body fat.
However, your health may suffer if your
percentage of body fat is too low or high.
Looking good and feeling good depend a
great deal on making sure you have the
correct amount if body fat.
Body composition can be correctly
evaluated in several ways. Although
underwater weighing is the most accurate, it
is also the most expensive means to
measure body fat. Body composition is most
commonly assessed by a device called a
skinfold caliper. However, there are also
several body composition measurement
devices on the market which can give you a
general measurement. Another common
measurement of body composition widely
used today is the body mass index (BMI).
The body mass index provides an indication
of the appropriateness of your weight
relative to your height. One important note
to the BMI though is that it does not indicate
the presence of fat.
Skill Related Fitness Component
Skill-related fitness is broken down into six
different components; agility, speed, power,
balance, coordination, reaction time. These
skill-related components are movements
that are necessary for an individual to
successfully demonstrate a variety of motor
skills and movement patterns
If you want to develop your level of fitness
beyond the basic requirements for health,
adjust your workout program to include
exercises designed to improve the skill-
related components of fitness
1. POWER
Power combines speed and strength. In
essence, it's how fast you can generate a
maximal force. In sports, "power athletes"
are those who exert brute strength in short,
all-out efforts, such as Olympic weightlifters,
foothall players, and gymnasts. Athletes in
other sports, like basketball, volleyball, and
tennis, can also benefit from developing
greater power. Jumping to get a rebound
requires leg power, while forcefully spiking
volleyball requires a combination of upper-
and lower-body power.
2. AGILITY
Agility is the ability to move quickly and to
easily change direction. Basketball players,
for instance, are incredibly agile. They have
to move in every direction, jumping, sliding,
twisting, and backpedaling in quick
response to the movement of the ball and
other players. Their bodies have to be
trained to respond and change course at the
drop of a hat.
2. BALANCE
Balance itself refers to your ability to
adjust your body position to remain upright.
It deals with proprioception, or knowing
where your body is in space, and being able
to make adjustments to your position as
your center of gravity changes during
movement. There are few sports where
balance doesn't play an important role, and
there are lots of activities where balance is
required for enhanced performance and
safety.

4. REACTION TIME
Reaction time refers to how quickly you
can respond to an external stimulus. Think
about a tennis match for a moment: The
best competitors react almost
instantaneously when the ball comes off
their opponent's racquet, sprinting toward
the location where they expect the ball to
bounce.
Reaction time hinges heavily on your
mind-body connection. Your eyes see a
stimulus, your mind interprets the stimulus,
and your body reacts in accordance with
that interpretation. Much of this mind-body
reaction relates to knowledge of the sport or
activity in question. A professional tennis
player can almost instantly interpret and
predict the movement of a ball. This
knowledge enables them to react more
quickly (and accurately) to the stimulus.
5. COORDINATION
Coordination is the body's ability to
perform smooth and efficient movements.
Good coordination requires the athlete to
combine multiple movements into a single
movement that is fluid and achieves the
intended goal. This is contrary to what many
people first think of, which is hand-eye
coordination which refers to the relationship
between eye movements and hand
movements, so that our hands make an
intended movement in response to our eye
movement, usually tracking a ball or
something simil
Coordination also includes hand-eye
coordination and foot-eye coordination. This
type of coordination relates to the
movement of the hands or feet in response
to eye movement, as it tracks moving
objects or people. Someone with good
hand-eye coordination is going to be more
successful at throwing, catching, and hitting.
This enables them to be more successful in
sports such as netball, basketball, tennis,
cricket, baseball, NFL, AFL, hockey, rugby
codes and much more. Good foot-eye
coordination will mean better success in
kicking, controlling, and stopping objects
with your feet.
6. SPEED
Speed is the rate at which something
moves. Speed relates to power, as you
have already learnt, and relates to the force
and the mass of the object the force has
acted upon. Speed is the distance an object
travels in a set period of time and is usually
measured in m/s or km/h.
Speed relates to movement efficiency and
performance because there are many sport
in which the speed at which someone is
moving is advantageous. This includes all
racing sports, such as: sprinting, swimming,
triathlons, marathons and much more. For
these sports the faster the athlete can
move, the better they will perform. In
relation to efficiency, high speed will
frequently require high energy consumption
and result in fatigue. Furthermore, if an
athlete has higher speed, it does not mean
they have a higher speed without fatigue,
marathon runners,
often don't have the best speeds when it is
tested, but can maintain higher speeds for
longer periods of time when compared to
sprinters.
FITNESS ASSESSMENT
Fitness assessments consist of different
types of tests and exercises used to
determine your overall health and physical
fitness level. These tests typically assess
your strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Fitness tests are required for physically
demanding jobs, such as police officers,
firefighters, and military personnel. Fitness
assessments can also help you, or your
personal trainer, figure out an appropriate
fitness routine and goals.
Fitness assessments are a series of tests
that measures and monitors students'
physical fitness level. The series of tests
assess the five (5) components of health
related fitness that make up total fitness:
cardiovascular endurance, muscular
strength, muscular endurance, flexibility,
and body composition. As well as the skill
related components such as: Speed,
Balance, Coordination, Reaction time,
Agility and power.
Fitness testing is an effective strategy to
monitor and assess students' fitness levels.
It can also help students understand how
healthy they are by learning about the five
components of fitness and how to set goals
to improve their health-related fitness.
Assessments are the measuring stick of
physical education classes. They help to
show yourself & others that your students
are learning and becoming more physically
fit as a result of being in your class.
Assessments can also help to show that
your PE class is valuable. Therefore,
assessments are important and should
matter to you in your PE class. They should
be performed at least before and after a unit
or some set period of time.
PAR-Q
Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
(PAR-Q) and You Regular physical activity is
fun and healthy, and increasingly more
people are starting to become more active
every day. Being more active is very safe for
most people. However, some people should
check with their doctor before they start
becoming much more physically active. If
you are planning to become much more
physically active than you are now, start by
answering the seven questions in the box
below. If you are between the ages of 15
and 69, the PAR-Q will tell you if you should
check with your doctor before you start. If
you are over 69 years of age, and you are
not used to being very active, check with
your doctor. Common sense is your best
guide when you answer these questions.
Please read the questions carefully and
answer each one honestly:
Informed use of the PAR Q: Reprinted from
ACSM's Health/Fitness Facility Standards
and Guidelines, 1997 by American College
of Sports Medicine
YES NO QUESTIONS
Has your doctor ever said
that you have a heart
condition and that you
should only do physical
activity recommended by a
 doctor?
Do you feel pain in your
chest when you do physical
activity?
In the past month, have you
had chest pain when you
were not doing physical
activity?
Do you lose your balance
because of dizziness or do
you ever lose
consciousness?
Do you have a bone or joint
problem that could be made
worse by a change in your
physical activity
Is your doctor currently
prescribing drugs ( for
example, water pills) for your
blood pressure or heart
condition
Do you know of any other
reason why you should not
do physical activity
YES to one or more questions
Talk to your doctor by phone or in person
BEFORE you start becoming much more
physically active or BEFORE you have a
fitness appraisal. Tell your doctor about the
PAR-Q and which questions you answered
YES. You may be able to do any activity you
want- as long as you start slowly and build
up gradually. Or, you may need to restrict
your activities to those which are safe for
you. Talk with your doctor about the kinds of
activities you wish to participate in and
follow his/her advice. Find out which
community programs are safe and helpful
for you.
NO to all questions
If you answered NO honestly to all PAR-Q
questions, you can be reasonably sure that
you can: Start becoming much more
physically active - begin slowly and build up
gradually. This is the safest and easiest way
to go. Take part in a fitness appraisal - this
is an excellent way to determine your basic
fitness so that you can plan the best way for
you to live actively
Delay becoming much more active: If you
are not feeling well because of a temporary
illness such as a cold or a fever - wait until
you feel better; or if you are or may be
pregnant - talk to your doctors before you
start becoming more active.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER
ABOUT THE PAR-Q
To recap, the Physical Activity Readiness
Questionnaire is composed of 7 questions
for determining if your client is healthy
enough to exercise. Because most clients
don't realize that exercise is physical stress,
it is important to not skip the PAR-Q.
Stress increases levels of certain
neurotransmitters and hormones like
epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol
that help to elevate the heart rate. A pre-
existing medical issue like coronary artery
disease could be fatal as the result of a
sudden increase in heart rate.
Although the PAR-Q does not (and should
not!) take the place of a comprehensive
health exam by a medical professional, it
can be the all-important first step for
preventing a major health issue for your
clients.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is a person's weight
in kilograms divided by the square of height
in meters. BMI is an inexpensive and easy
screening method for weight category-
underweight, healthy weight, overweight,
and obesity.
BMI does not measure body fat directly, but BMI is calculated the same way for both
BMI is moderately correlated with more adults and children. The calculation is based
direct measures of body fat. Furthermore, on the following formulas:
BMI appears to be as strongly correlated
with various metabolic and disease outcome
as are these more direct measures of body How is BMI interpreted for adults?
fatness
For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is
BMI can be a screening tool, but it does not interpreted using standard weight status
diagnose the body fatness or health of an categories. These categories are the same
individual. To determine if BMI is a health for men and women of all body types and
risk, a healthcare provider performs further ages. The standard weight status categories
assessments. Such assessments include associated with BMI ranges for adults are
skin fold thickness measurements, shown in the following table.
evaluations of diet, physical activity, and
family history.
How is BMI calculated? BMI WEIGHT STATUS
BELOW 18.5 UNDER WEIGHT
Measurement Formula and Calculation 18.5-24.9 NORMAL OR
Units HEALTHY WEIGHT
Kilograms and Formula: weight 25-29.9 OVERWEIGHT
meters (or (kg)/[height (m))" With 30.0 AND ABOVE OBESE
centimeters) the metric system, the
formula for BMI is weight
in kilograms divided by
height in meters squared. S
Because height is u
commonly measured in b
centimeters, divide height -
in centimeters by 100 to c
obtain height in meters. l
a
Example: Weight 68 kg, s
Height = 165 cm (1.65 m) s
i
Calculation: 68+ f
(1.65)2=24.98 i
Pounds and Formula: weight c
inches (lb)/[height (in)] x 703 a
t
Calculate BMI by dividing i
weight in pounds (lbs) by o
height in inches (in) n
squared and multiplying S
by a conversion factor of e
703. Example: Weight = v
150 lbs, Height 5'5" (65") e
Calculation: [150+ (65)2] r
x 703 = 24.96
t e
h s
i e
n
n
e
s
M
o
d
e
r
a
t
e

t
h
i
n
n
e For the example, here are the weight
s ranges, the corresponding BMI ranges, and
s the weight status for a person who is “5’9”
M
i Height Weight BMI Weight
l range status
d 5’9 124 lbs Below underweight
or less 18.5
t
h
i 125 lbs 18.5- Normal or
n to 168 24.9 healthy
n lbs weight
e 169 lbs 25.0- overweight
s to 202 29.9
s lbs
n
o 203 lbs 30 or obese
r or more higher
m
a
l
P
r
e How good is BMI as an indicator of body
- fatness?

o
The correlation between the BMI
b
and body fatness is fairly strong, but
 even if two people have the same
BMI, their level of body fatness may
differ.In general,
 At the same BMI, women tend to
have more body fat than men.
 At the same BMI, Blacks have less
body fat than do Whites, and Asians
have more body fat than do Whites.
 At the same BMI, older people, on
average, tend to have more body fat
than younger adults.
 At the same BMI, athletes have less
body fat than do non-athletes.
The accuracy of BMI as an indicator of body
fatness also appears to be higher in
persons with higher levels of BMI and body
fatness. While, a person with a very high
BMI (e.g., 35 kg/m²) is very likely to have
high body fat, a relatively high BMI can be
the results of either high body fat or high
lean body mass (muscle and bone). A
trained healthcare provider should perform
appropriate health assessments to evaluate
an individual's health status and risks.
If an athlete or other person with a lot of
muscle has a BMI over 25, is that person
still considered to be overweight?
According to the BMI weight status
categories, anyone with a BMI between 25
and 29.9 would be classified as overweight
and anyone with a BMI over 30 would be
classified as obese.
However, athletes may have a high BMI
because of increased muscularity rather
than increased body fatness. In general, a
person who has a high BMI is likely to have
body fatness and would be considered to be
overweight or obese, but this may not apply
to athletes. A trained healthcare provider
should perform appropriate health
assessments to evaluate an individual's
health status and risks.
What are the health consequences of
obesity for adults?
People who have obesity are at increased
risk for many diseases and health
conditions, including the following:
 All-causes of death (mortality)
 High blood pressure (hypertension)
 High LDL cholesterol, low HDL
cholesterol, or high levels of
triglycerides (dyslipidemia)
 Type 2 diabetes
 Coronary heart disease
 Stroke
 Gallbladder disease
 Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of
cartilage and bone within a joint)
 Sleep apnea and breathing
problems
 Chronic inflammation and increased
oxidative stress
 Some cancers (endometrial, breast,
colon, kidney, gallbladder, and liver)
 Low quality of life
 Mental illness such as clinical
depression, anxiety, and other
mental disorders
 Body pain and difficulty with physical
functioning