Addressing Obesity.

Get to Know Your Healthy Weight: Learn Your BMI Levels, your health and well-being are important! This month, we address ways you and your children can stay at a healthy weight.

Additional Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

One of the first steps to improving your health is to know whether you are at a healthy weight. A body mass index (BMI) assessment, which estimates body fat, is a quick and easy way to answer this question for you or your children. A high BMI suggests an increased risk for many diseases, including two of the most common chronic diseases in the United States: diabetes and heart disease.

How do I measure my BMI?The easiest way to measure BMI is to use an online calculator. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a BMI calculator for adults ages 20 and older and one for children and teens ages 2 through 19. Be aware that BMI isn't a perfect estimate of body fat. For example, having a lot of muscle raises your BMI score. Also be aware that there are many factors other than body fat that may increase your risk for disease.

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What is a healthy way to lose weight?
To lose or keep from gaining weight, make sure to get regular exercise and choose healthful foods. Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid fats and added sugars, and eat in moderation. If you need to lose weight, try losing the weight a little at a time. People who lose 1 to 2 pounds per week are more likely to keep the weight off.

How often should I exercise? How often should my children exercise? Physical activity doesn't just burn calories; it also reduces the risk for many diseases, especially compared to people at the same weight who don't exercise. According to the CDC guidelines, children and adolescents should get 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity each day. Adults need about half as much.

At your next appointment, ask your doctor about your BMI and talk about how you can reach or stay at a healthy weight. For many people, simply losing 10 percent of body weight can make a big difference in overall health!