Healthy weight: Aiming for a healthy weight

There is a generally recognized link between body weight and health. Many studies have, in fact, demonstrated that being overweight can lead to certain health problems. In addition, being under the weight considered normal also constitutes a risk. To evaluate a person’s healthy weight, the body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement are used.

Body mass index (BMI)

The BMI is a simple correlation between weight and height. Once the BMI is established, it can help to determine if a person is more or less at risk of developing certain diseases.

Calculating the BMI

There are two accepted formulas for calculating the BMI.

Metric system formula

BMI = weight (kg)/height (m)2

For example, when we use the metric formula, we can calculate that a woman who measures 1.63 metres and weighs 61 kg will have a BMI of 22.9, which is considered a normal weight.

Imperial system formula

BMI = (weight (lbs)/height (in.)2)X 703

Using the imperial formula, we can determine that a man measuring 5 ft. 10 in. (70 inches) and weighing 200 pounds will have a BMI of 28.7, which is considered overweight.

To calculate your BMI, you can also use our online BMI calculator.

Results

There are four BMI categories.

Waist measurement

Waist measurement is another important indicator of health. Generally, a man with a waist circumference equal or greater than 102 centimetres (40 inches) or a woman whose waistline measures more than 88 centimetres (35 inches) runs a greater risk of developing a certain number of illnesses.

Calculating waist circumference

1. To measure your waist circumference, place a flexible tape measure halfway between your lowest rib and just above your hipbone. Take the measurement. You can also ask someone else to hold the tape measure for you.
2. Make sure the tape measure is snug, without compressing your skin, as this may lead to an inaccurate reading.

Certain factors to consider

That being said, having a healthy weight does not necessarily protect someone from all forms of disease. Other factors must be considered:

• Age
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Fitness level
• Diet
• Family and medical history.

In fact, only by taking all these factors into account will you be able to set a goal that will guide you in reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight.

In addition, it is important to know that the BMI is not an absolute measurement, but simply a very useful guideline. You should not draw any conclusions before being aware of certain facts.

• BMI and its target values can change based on ethnic origin. For example, BMI targets among people of Asian descent tend to be lower than those of North Americans.
• Women are less likely than men to fall under the “overweight” and “obese” categories, in part because of the muscle and bone mass of the latter.
• Athletes and very active people may have a high BMI because of their large muscle mass, but they are not necessarily at greater risk of developing health problems.
• Other factors must also be considered. For example, certain people are naturally thin; others, like young adults, have not yet finished growing.

Complications

When you weigh more or less than what is considered normal, you run a greater risk of developing diseases, such as:

• Diabetes 
• Heart disease
• Hypertension 
• Diseases of the gallbladder
• Certain types of cancer
• Osteoporosis 
• Malnutrition
• Eating disorders.

Prevention

The best way to reach a healthy weight is to:

• Eat well
• Exercise
• Stop smoking
• Drink alcohol with moderation.

By putting these recommendations into action you can reduce your risk of developing health problems and make real your goal of reaching a “normal weight.”

In-store health services

If you have any other questions on healthy weight, talk to your pharmacist. He’s there to help!

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