Healthy Living

Healthy Weights

Achieving a Healthy Weight

Healthy eating and being active most days are the best ways to promote a healthy weight. Focus on healthy eating and being physically active – not the scale. A healthy or normal weight helps protect against health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, gout, and cancer.

Body Mass Index

One way to check whether your weight is within the normal range is with the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. BMI is the ratio of height to weight. Aim for a BMI of 18.5 to 25, as this range has the least risk of developing health problems.

Keep in mind that BMI is not a perfect measurement. It is useful because it is simple and all people can be measured by it. However, it is not useful for women age 18 years and under, or for women who are pregnant. It needs to be used with caution for some groups such as those who are very muscular or who are shorter. It will show you have a higher BMI, but your weight may be healthy. It may also not work well with people as they age. Start with your BMI, but also speak with your health care provider about a healthy weight for you.

Thinking about Pregnancy?

Your weight before you become pregnant can have an effect on your ability to become pregnant, your pregnancy, and your baby’s health. Planning a pregnancy is a great time to think about a healthy weight. Making healthy lifestyle changes three months before trying to get pregnant is a good idea – it’s never too early, or too late to make changes. Use this time to make healthy eating and active living lifelong habits that you continue for you, your baby, and your family.