How Healthy is Your Weight?
BMI INDEX
There is no way to know what to change if you don't know where you are. One healthy weight indicator is the Body Mass Index, or BMI. For most adults, this tool is a reliable assessment of how much body fat you have. See where you rank now with the BMI Calculator to the right. The results will put you in one of four categories.
If your BMI is somewhere other than "normal" you may want to talk to a professional medical source about achieving a healthier body weight. While the BMI indicator can give you and idea of how much excess body fat you have, it may not be the best indicator for specific health risks. Seek professional medical advice for more thorough risk screening.(2) |
WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE
Another good indicator for healthy weight is your waist circumference. Excess fat around your waistline can be a leading indicator of developing obesity related conditions. (2)
How to Measure:
Place a tape measure around your bare abdomen just above your hip bone. Be sure that the tape is snug, but does not compress your skin, and is parallel to the floor. Relax, exhale, and measure your waist. (2)
You may be at higher risk for obesity-related diseases if
- Men have a waist circumference larger than 40 inches;
- Women have a waist circumference larger than 35 inches. (2)
Another good indicator for healthy weight is your waist circumference. Excess fat around your waistline can be a leading indicator of developing obesity related conditions. (2)
How to Measure:
Place a tape measure around your bare abdomen just above your hip bone. Be sure that the tape is snug, but does not compress your skin, and is parallel to the floor. Relax, exhale, and measure your waist. (2)
You may be at higher risk for obesity-related diseases if
- Men have a waist circumference larger than 40 inches;
- Women have a waist circumference larger than 35 inches. (2)
LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO ASSESS YOUR LIFESTYLE?
There are several resources online that can help you stay accountable for what you are eating and how much you are exercising. These tools are a great asset for learning your habits and knowing if your choices are actually healthy ones. The best part about these tools - they are all online, free, and most have an app to help you keep track on the go. The buttons to right lead to three different diet and exercise tracking tools. Each has something slightly different to offer, so feel free to find the one that best fits what you are looking for. |