What is a Healthy Weight?
A
healthy weight is one that is right for the size and shape that you were born
with, which is your body build. This
weight is neither too fat nor too thin, and you feel healthy and energetic and
look better. A healthy weight is also
one where you have a reduced risk of developing many health problems such as
high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or triglycerides, and diabetes.
The
Body Mass Index or BMI Chart was developed to help people determine what is a
healthy weight for them. The BMI chart
takes into account your weight and your height.
Usually, a BMI between 20 and 25 is considered normal, and a BMI between
25 and 27 is high normal. Although the
BMI was developed for people between the ages of 20 and 65, it has been used in
individuals over 65. Because we tend to
gain weight as we age, the BMI range of 24 to 29 for people over 65 has been
considered as reasonable. The BMI is not
accurate for children, pregnant women, and very muscular or athletic
individuals.