Maintaining a healthy body weight is the simple definition of weight management. A balanced diet coupled with regular exercise will help maintain a healthy body weight. A weight management plan developed by a registered dietitian will all depend on whether you are underweight or overweight.
The recommended amount of body fat differs between men and women. For women, the recommended amount of body fat is 20% – 21%. For men, the recommended amount of body fat is 13% – 17%. Calculating your body mass index (BMI) is the best way to determine if your weight is healthy for your height. There are many health issues that coincide with being overweight including heart disease, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes, just to name a few.
To calculate your BMI, you should perform the following steps:
- Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.
- Divide that answer by your height in inches.
- Divide that answer by your height in inches again.
Once you have made your calculation, you can use the chart below to see where you BMI falls into and to determine whether or not you need to be concerned about your weight.
| BMI | Category |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 – 39.9 | Obese |
| Over 40 | Morbidly Obese |
You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI)
If you would like to learn more about the nutrition services at NGDC or if you would like to learn more about our Registered Dietitian, Amy Roark, please contact us today.