The focus of this session is to examine the appropriateness of current weight reduction recommendations for persons classified as “overweight” using present BMI definitions using a review of the existing literature. The information provided will be relevant to any person who works with individuals or groups to enhance physical health. Given the inconsistent association between mortality and overweight BMI and the lack of evidence of the effectiveness of weight loss strategies in facilitating the long-term reduction of weight, weight loss does not appear to be an appropriate goal for individuals with BMIs ranging from 25.0 to 29.5. Program Objectives: A literature review was conducted to examine the appropriateness of current weight reduction recommendations for persons classified as “overweight” using present BMI definitions. Objectives: Through participation in this session attendees will: * Examine the range of associations between BMI and mortality/morbidity. * Identify the BMI range most commonly associated with reduced mortality. * Discuss whether lifestyle or BMI (weight) is the most appropriate focus Methods: Literature searches of health-related databases were conducted using keywords of BMI, mortality, morbidity, and overweight. A total of 21 articles are included in this review. Results: There is no consistent association between “Overweight BMI” (25.0 – 29.5) and mortality. Several studies have found that an “overweight BMI” does not result in a increased risk of mortality (McGee, Daniel L. and the Diverse Populations Collaborations 2005;23; Campos, Paul 2006; Strawbridge, Wallhagen & Shema, 2000; Fang, Wylie-Rosett, Cohen, Kaplan, & Alderman, 2003; Schooling, Lam, Li, Ho, Chan, Ho Tham, Cowling, & Leung, 2006; Fontaine, Redden, Wang, Westfall, Allison, 2003). Others have found an association between an “overweight BMI” and mortality (Kim & Popkin, 2006; Must, Spadano, Coakley, Field, Colditz, & Dietz, 1999; Dyer, Stamler, Garside & Greenland, 2004). In addition, some populations with BMIs above 25 established an association with decreased mortality (Kim & Popkin, 2006), while others have found that BMIs within the “overweight” range have the lowest mortality (Dyer, Stamler, Garside & Greenland, 2004). Keyword(s): obesity issues