Correct Weight For Height – What Is My Ideal Weight?

It is critical that you maintain your weight at a healthy level. Excess weight, particularly in the mid-section (belly fat), puts you at a much higher risk of having coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and even some cancers! So let’s answer the question: What is my correct weight for height?

The Two Most Important Factors For Assessing Your Correct Weight

When assessing your ideal weight, there are two factors that stand out as strong indicators of health. The first is your waist size and the second is your body mass index, or BMI. By learning more about your body by using these two techniques, you will be taking a positive step towards fitness.

Measure Your Waist Size

Another important way to determine your degree of fitness is by measuring your waist. The rule of thumb is your waist (in inches) should be half of your height (in inches). For example, if you are 5′ 8″, that equals 68 inches. Half of 68 is 34, so your waist size should be no more than 34 inches.

Why Does Waist Size Matter

Research has shown that the more fat you have around your abdominal area, the higher our risk of serious diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. If your body shape resembles an apple, then you are more at risk than your pear-shaped counterparts.

What Is BMI?

Your BMI is simply a measure of the amount of body fat you have. It is probably the most popular way of determining your correct weight. To figure out what your BMI is, use one of the many free BMI calculators online.You will be asked to input your weight and height and with a simple click of a button, your BMI will be calculated for you. The BMI calculator put out by the National Institutes of Health is a good one to use.

What Does My BMI Mean?

Once you have determined what your BMI is, you can then see what category you fall into. There are four main categories:

* Underweight = less than 18.5
* Normal weight = 18.5 to 24.9
* Overweight = 25 to 29.9
* Obese = 30 or greater

You should aim to keep your BMI in the normal range in order to be considered healthy.

What To Do If I Need To Lose Weight

If you need to lose weight, you should consider a healthy diet and exercise plan (always check with your doctor first). There are many programs to choose from, but the best regimen is one that sticks to the basics (balanced meals, exercise, portion control, adequate water intake). Additionally when deciding upon a fitness plan, choose one that fits as seamlessly as possible into your schedule and lifestyle. The easier the program is to maintain, the higher your chances of success will be.