This guideline highlights the importance of a healthy weight to overall well-being. Long term studies have proven that excess body weight will leave you at a greater risk of developing many more problems with chronic and life threatening diseases.
What is a Healthy Body Weight?
Even though billions of dollars are spent each year on diets and weight loss products nearly 70% of our population is overweight. In addition, eating disorders, especially among young women are on the increase. The current excessive concern with body weight, body image and the relentless pursuit of thinness by so many has prompted health professionals to look at weight issues in two dynamics, both the physical and the psychological side of one’s health.
The healthy weight concept was adopted out of the recognition that we need to shift our focus away from body weight alone and more on a healthy lifestyle in general. Healthy living involves eating well, being active, and feeling good about oneself. It is believed that a healthy lifestyle approach will help us achieve a healthy weight in a positive and safe manner. A healthy body weight is a weight range ‘not one ideal weight’ appropriate for a particular height, age, sex, and body structure. It is a weight at which you will; feel fit and flexible, healthy and energetic and be at lower risk for weight related health problems. A healthy weight should not be confused with a thin body, to be too thin or constantly trying to get thin with one diet after another is not healthy….physically or emotionally.
How Healthy is Your Weight?
The healthiness of your weight can easily be measured using a standard measuring tool known as the Body Mass Index (BMI). Below is a simple calculation you can use to see if you”re in a healthy range. You can also find a BMI calculator that will do the calculation for you by doing a search on the internet.
BMI = Weight (lbs.) / (Height (in) x Height (in) x 703
Example of someone who is 5’6″ and weights 160 lbs.
BMI Calculation = 160 / (66 x 66) x 703 = 25.8 ß This person is in the Overweight category.
- BMI of less than 18 means you are under weight.
- BMI of less than 18.5 indicates you are thin for your height.
- BMI between 18.6 and 24.9 indicates you are at a healthy weight.
- BMI between 25 and 29.9 suggests you are overweight for your height.
- BMI of 30 or greater indicates you are in an obese range.
Achieving a Healthy Body Weight:
There are no magic pills, potions or low calorie diets that will help get your weight into a ‘healthy’ range. Regular physical activity combined with healthy eating, not dieting, promises to be the absolute best way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Getting Physically Active:
Getting physically active can be anything from joining a local gym to cost free simple things like walking, riding a bike, dancing, gardening, running, hiking, etc…bottom line become more physically active, even the smallest activities can result into noticeable changes if done on a regular basis.
