Weight Management

Proper weight management can help you maintain good health and reduce the risk of premature death, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, respiratory dysfunction, gout, osteoarthritis and certain kinds of cancer. The following key recommendations can help you manage your weight.

  • Increase your physical activity.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • When eating out remember to control your portion size.
  • Eat high-fiber foods to help you feel full.
  • Make healthy choices a habit.
  • Be realistic about your goals.
  • Keep a food and activity journal.
  • Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits per day.
  • Prepare and eat meals and snacks at home.
  • Forgive yourself if you occasionally make mistakes.
  • Use a scale and measuring cup to serve your food.

Body Mass Index

Body mass index is a tool that is used to gauge total body fat based on a persons weight and height. It is one of the most accurate ways to determine when extra pounds result in a health risk. For adults over 20 years old, BMI falls into one of these categories.

BMI Weight Status
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5-24.9 Normal
25.0-29.9 Overweight
30.0 and Above Obese

The relationship between fatness and BMI differs with age, gender and fitness. Two people can have the same BMI and yet have a different percentage of body fat, so BMI is only one piece of a person's health profile.

To calculate your BMI enter your height and weight below:


feet inch(es)


pounds

Your BMI is:

Your weight status is:

How is BMI calculated?

The formula for calculating BMI is:

Weight in Pounds
÷ Height in inches2
x 703
Body Mass Index