Healthful Body Weight and Evaluation

Healthful Body Weight

• A healthful body weight is age-appropriate, maintained without constant dieting, and compatible with normal blood pressure, lipid levels, and glucose tolerance.
• It is also influenced by family history of body shape and weight.
• A healthful body weight promotes good eating habits and allows for regular physical activity, and is acceptable to the individual.

Evaluating Body Weight

• Evaluating body weight involves more than just considering a person's actual weight.
• It includes determining Body Mass Index (BMI), measuring body composition (fat vs. lean muscle), and assessing the pattern of fat distribution.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

• BMI is the ratio of weight to the square of height (weight in kg / height in m^2).
• BMI values:
  • Below 18.5: underweight, associated with health risks
  • 18.5-30: normal weight, associated with lowest disease risk
  • Above 30: overweight or obese, associated with increased health risks
• Note: BMI results may differ in individuals with high muscle mass, such as athletes or lactating women.
• BMI categories:
  • Underweight: too little body fat to maintain health
  • Overweight: moderate amount of excess body fat
  • Obesity: excess body weight that affects health
  • Morbid obesity: body weight exceeds 100% of normal, associated with risk of health complications