As we look toward the end of January, were you one of the many who resolved to lose weight and have yet to shed one pound? Or, on the down side of it, put on a pound or two? Likely you are not alone.
Finding reasons to attain and maintain a healthy weight are well documented. Obesity is known to increase the of risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, hypertension, stroke, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis, and liver and gallbladder disease. In 2009 South Dakota reported that 67.1% of the population was overweight or obese; national trends reported that 64.1% of the population was overweight or obese (1).
Most often one’s individual BMI (Body Mass Index) is used to determine a healthy weight. Your BMI is calculated by taking your body weight in pounds, divided by your height in inches, divided by height in inches (again) times 703. The mathematical equation for BMI is: weight (lb)/height (in) ² x 703 (1). You may also access “Calculate Your Body Mass Index” (http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bminojs.htm). Those who have a BMI of over 25 are reported as overweight or obese.
Some health professionals also consider waist size to also be a determinate in predicting debilitating diseases. Some research indicates that fat which collects in the mid-section (abdominal area) area of the body may be an indicator for increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (2).
A healthy weight is just part of a healthy lifestyle. There are many good reasons to be aware of our health status and any resulting risk factors for debilitating diseases. Some things in life cannot be avoided, but where we have choices it’s good to know what options we have. For further information and reading on a healthy weight check out “The Nutrition Source: How to get to your healthy weight” (http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-weight/healthy-weight-full-story/index.html#keeping_things_level).
(1) The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, South Dakota Department of Health, 2009.
(2) Zhang C, Rexrode KM, van Dam RM, Li TY, Hu FB. Abdominal Obesity and the Risk of All–Cause, Cardiovascular, and Cancer Mortality. Sixteen Years of Follow-Up in US Women. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18362231?dopt=Citation 2008.,