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Finding your healthy body weight - BMI: Body mass index
If you want optimal health and fitness, the first step is finding the right body weight for your unique physiology and lifestyle. What is the perfect weight for your unique body? You can find out in just a few easy steps.
Using Body Mass Index to find a healthy body weight
The first step to finding your optimal body weight is to calculate your body mass index, or BMI. This is a simple ratio of your weight to height. Many good calculators are available on the internet, and your doctor's office will also calulate your body mass index as a measure of your health. Once you know the exact number, you should compare it to the BMI scale. Generally, if your BMI is less than 18.5, you are underweight. The ideal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, while 25 and above is considered overweight. If your BMI is 30 or above, you are most likely obese and in danger of developing severe health problems.
Customizing the Body Mass Index
Once you know your body mass index, the next step is to customize it to your unique body and lifestyle. As you may have noticed, the body mass index scale leaves room a wide range of 'ideal' body types. There are certain circumstances which will affect which end of the scale reflects a healthy body weight for you. First, you should consider your bone structure. A person with a small bone structure will have a healthy body weight at the lower end of the normal range, while a person who is big boned or muscular can weigh much more while still being at an optimal weight. Another factor to consider is your age. Although it is important to maintain a healthy weight at all ages, younger people should, on average, be quite a bit smaller than older people. It is normal to gain weight as you age, especially in women where childbearing may be another factor in determining a healthy weight.
Your doctor can be a huge help in determing a healthy body weight. Once you have determined your optimal BMI and the corresponding weight, ask your physician for input. He or she can likely offer feedback and advice, or at least let you know if you are on the right track.
Once you have found the perfect body weight for your unique shape and lifestyle, the only step left is to attain it. A combination of diet and exercise is usually enough to achieve this. Although losing weight seems like a daunting task, the most difficult step is making the decision to change. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and in this case that step is choosing a healthy lifestyle.
