Are You a Healthy Weight?

What is a healthy weight? There is a range of weights that are healthy – based on your height.

Staying at a healthy weight protects us from a range of problems, lowering our risk of things like heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. It also helps us feel better, physically and emotionally.

If you’re concerned, remember: even a few small changes in your lifestyle can have you looking better, feeling better and enjoying a better quality of life.

Click the links below for all kinds of good advice on getting to, and maintaining, a weight that’s healthy for you.

There are different ways to determine if you are at a healthy weight, and if your body weight is putting you at risk for health related problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. For example, you can:

• Monitor your weight over time – is it constantly creeping upwards (e.g., 10lbs each year)?
• Notice how your clothes fit – has your pant or dress size increased?

These are easy ways to get a sense of how you’re doing.

You can also take a more scientific approach using one of these techniques:

Body Mass Index (BMI)

This approach will let you determine if your body weight is appropriate for your height. Calculate your body mass index (BMI) by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared [(kg)/height (m ² )] or access the Health Canada website for more information. A BMI of more than 25 indicates an increased risk of developing health problems.

A BMI of 25 - 30 is considered overweight. If your BMI is over 30 you may be obese.

However…

BMI will only tell you if your weight is proportionate to your height. It does not take into account the composition of your weight, like how much muscle and fat you have. Remember, it’s only a guide.

Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)

The risk of developing health problems can also be determined by your waist to hip ratio. Divide the measure of your waist by the measure of your hips. Ideally, the ratio should be less than 1.0 or 100%. In other words, your waist should be smaller than your hips.

If it’s larger, you may be predisposed to health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Studies have found that a person’s waist to hip ratio (WHR) is a strong predictor of developing chronic disease. In other words, a WHR score greater than 1.0, or 100% means that lifestyle behaviours such as nutrition and physical activity need to be addressed.

Links & Resources:

Healthy Waists: Tape measures are being distributed with support from ActNow BC to promote monitoring waist size and reducing health risks. and we'll send you a free waist tape.

Health Canada - Body Mass Index (BMI) Nomogram

Strategies for a Healthy Weight

Your Health Your Weight

Alberta Health Services: Re-Think Your Drink

Dietitian Services @ Healthlink BC

Heart and Stroke Foundation: Fast Foods and Eating Out