cancer control fall prevention health consumerism mental fitness mental health nutrition physical fitness weight control wellness center

andropause incontinence men's sexuality prostate health women's sexuality kegel exercises

addison's disease arthritis diabetes center eating disorders gout center heart disease caregiving

bookstore ebooks wellness store underwear buying guide product catalogs

overview setting goals factors risks and commitment basic concepts treatments and approaches special issues designing a program

aim for a healthy weight beauty of youth body image

home wellness weight control setting goals aim for a healthy weight

aim for a healthy weight

A normal BMI range is 21-24. Overweight is considered at BMI of 25-29. A BMI of 30  is considered obesity. Medical studies have shown the health risks from being overweight become more likely as a person passes a BMI of 30. 

The BMI is a calculation based on height and weight so it can overestimate health risk in the case of a very muscular athlete. This person has a heavier weight and hence a higher BMI but their weight is coming from muscle and not.

A healthy weight is crucial for a long, healthy life. In 1999, almost 108 million-or 61 percent of-adults in the United States were overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart attack. And, it increases your risk of developing high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes-each of which also increases your chance of having a heart attack. If you are overweight, even a small weight loss-just 10 percent of your current weight-will help to lower your risk of developing those diseases.

Two of the measures that assess whether or not a person is overweight are body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. BMI is a measure of weight relative to height. Waist circumference measures abdominal fat. The risk for developing heart and other diseases increases with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches in men and more than 35 inches in women.

To be at their best, adults need to avoid gaining weight and many need to lose weight. Losing weight and keeping it off depends on a change of lifestyle that combines sensible eating with regular physical activity, not a temporary effort to drop pounds quickly. If you need to lose excess weight, talk with your health care provider about developing an action plan, which includes a hearty-healthy, low-calorie, nutritious eating plan and physical activity.

To learn more about weight control:

• Weight Control at SeekWellness
• A special aim for a healthy weight Web page that explains how to assess your risk for developing obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease, and how to lose weight sensibly

Courtesy of
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

September, 2001

26 South Main Street, PMB #162 . Concord, NH 03301 . Phone: 603 397-0103