Has your New Year’s resolutions gone by the way side already? Was one of them to eat healthier? Was another to lose weight? Before you completely throw in the towel, let’s take a look at what a healthy weight is. You may be closer to it than you thought or you may need the help of your family and friends to obtain your goal weight. We will not be looking strictly on the numbers on the scale.
A better gauge of healthy weight is using BMI numbers. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. The number is calculated from a person’s weight and height. It does not measure body fat directly but does give us a standard to use in regard to weight and potential health problems. This number along with a health history and other screenings and tests give us a better picture of where we are. We can take that information and decide what we need to do to into shape. Let’s get started! Get your calculator handy, you’re going to need it.
Take your weight in (lbs) pounds divided / by your height in (inches) squared x 703
For example say your weight is 150 lbs and you are 5 feet, 5 inches. First make your height into inches only. So now you are 65 inches tall. Next you will need to square this number, remember square means multiplying the number by itself. 65 squared = 4225. Your BMI calculation would be 150 divided by 4225 = .035….. x 703 = 24.96
If you look at the chart, you’re just at the edge of normal weight for your height.
Before you get to discouraged remember why the numbers matter. Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and respiratory problems.
Please visit these web sites for more information and fun interactive calorie quizzes:
• Assessing Your Risk
• Body Mass Index Table
• Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
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