When you maintain a healthy weight, you look better, feel better, and lower your risk of a myriad of health issues. You have more energy, better mobility, and more confidence when you’re at a healthy weight. And yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 73.6% of adults aged 20 and over are overweight or obese.
Health Risks
Being overweight can reduce your quality of life, cause body pain, and make many everyday tasks more difficult. People who are overweight have a higher risk for many severe health conditions, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and more. Obesity has even been linked to certain types of cancer.
While only a small percentage of U.S. adults are considered underweight, for some people, it can be just as challenging to gain weight as it is to lose weight. And being underweight comes with certain health risks – malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, osteoporosis, decreased immune function, fertility issues, and more.
A Healthy Weight
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of “What is a healthy weight?” However, knowing your Body Mass Index (BMI) can help you determine if you’re in the range of what is considered a healthy weight.
The CDC provides a handy BMI Calculator to help you determine your BMI based on your height and weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, and a BMI from 25 – 29.9 is considered overweight. Above 30 is deemed as obese.
BMI gives a reasonable estimate of total body fat for most but doesn’t work for everyone. For example, people who have a high muscle mass can weigh more without being considered overweight. On the other hand, for people who have lost muscle mass, such as some older adults, the BMI can underestimate body fat.
You should always consult with a health professional to determine a weight that is healthy for you. A health professional will consider other factors, such as waist size, family health problems, etc., to help you determine if your weight is a health risk.
How to Lose Weight
We all know how to lose weight – eat fewer calories than you burn. It’s simple but not always easy. If you want to lose weight, you have several options:
- You can lower the number of calories that you eat. My Neat Health helps take the guesswork out of healthy eating with meal replacement bars, shakes, and more.
- Burn more calories by increasing physical activity. Harvard Medical School offers information about the number of calories burned while doing different activities.
- A combination of eating fewer calories and increasing physical activity
People who lose weight gradually – one to two pounds per week – are more likely to keep the weight off. And even a slight weight loss of five to ten percent of your total body weight can provide health benefits
How to Gain Weight
The Mayo Clinic offers several tips to gain weight:
- Eat more frequently
- Choose nutrient-rich foods
- Try smoothies and shakes – My Neat Health offers a variety of smoothie and shake flavors.
- Add extras to your dishes, such as cheese
- Exercise – especially strength training
How My Neat Health Can Help with Weight Management
My Neat Health products are formulated by health experts and medical professionals specifically for weight management. Whether you’re trying to lose or gain weight, all of our products include nutritional information, including calories and protein, to help you maintain a healthy weight.