Tips for a Healthy Body Weight

Steps to a Healthy Weight

Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight is important for good health. Check out this handout for some great tips to lose weight and keep it off (handout is in pdf format).

Body Mass Index Chart

Body mass index (BMI) is one way to tell whether you are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Click here to open a handy chart for adult BMI (it is in pdf format). In the chart, find your height in the left-hand column and move across the row to find your weight. If you are in the overweight or obese range on the chart, you are more likely to have certain health problems.

BMI isn’t right for everyone. Consult your health-care provider about a healthy weight for you, especially if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are very muscular
• Have lost muscle—for example, if you are an older adult.

A child’s BMI must be compared to growth charts appropriate for that child’s age and gender. Consult a health care provider if you are concerned about your child’s weight.

You can figure your Body Mass Index by using the handy calculator on the website of the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/. This website allows you to calculate BMI for both adults and children, and gives extra tips for having a healthy body weight.