PharmEasy Blog

Healthy Weight Awareness Month: Healthy Bites

A New Year comes with people all around the world making resolutions to lose weight and hence it seems fitting that January is named Healthy Weight Awareness Month.   The purpose of this month-long campaign is to alert people about the various risks associated with obesity and to provide them with the tools they need to improve their health.

Obesity is the leading cause of preventable deaths, second only to deaths caused by tobacco. Obesity comes from associations with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and respiratory problems.

One way to measure if your current weight is healthy is to measure your Body Mass Index (BMI).   Although your BMI does not actually measure your percentage of body fat, it is a useful means to estimate a healthy body weight based on your height. The formulas to calculate BMI based on two of the most commonly used unit systems are:

BMI = 703 ·weight (lb)/height2 (in2)             (U.S. Units)

BMI = weight (kg)/height2 (m2)             (Metric Units)

This World Health Organization (WHO) recommended body weight based on BMI values for adults is represented in the table below. It is used for men and women, ages 18 or older.

Category

BMI range – kg/m2
Severe Thinness< 16
Moderate Thinness16 – 17
Mild Thinness17 – 18.5
Normal18.5 – 25
Overweight25 – 30
Obese Class I30 – 35
Obese Class II35 – 40
Obese Class III

> 40

To ensure that your hard work pays off and that you achieve the best results, this Healthy Weight Awareness Month consider reducing excess calories from refined carbohydrates and fat such as sweetened beverages, as well as maintaining an adequate amount of protein in your diet. Other important features of a healthy eating plan include incorporating appropriate amounts of fruits, vegetables and dietary fibre.  

Many people fall into the trap of focusing exclusively on exercise without paying any regard to what they consume. Although exercise is a highly important factor in the management of a healthy weight and body composition, physical activity will not be as effective, without a properly balanced diet.

Happy New Year with a happy Healthy Weight Awareness Month. May your weight be in your favour!

Also Read: Can You Lose Weight by Not Eating? The Dangers of Starvation Diets

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

1