What is a "healthy weight"? As medical providers we focus a lot on BMI and the number on the scale, because that is what science tells us is a "healthy weight" or "normal weight". This equation is used to deem someone healthy or unhealthy, but there are other factors to consider. Each individual has their own personal feeling of a healthy weight for themselves, and it is usually based on how their body shape, and also genetics. If the whole family is a larger size, and the individual was always a "big baby or child", then the person may feel being overweight is normal or healthy for them. A term that I remember was used a lot was "big boned". A healthy weight is hard to individualize, because I feel it really depends on the person, and what their feeling of "healthy weight" is, it could be that their healthy weight is considered "overweight" by the CDC and medical providers, but it is partially about how the individual feels about their weight. If they feel great and confident, and their blood pressure and labs are all within normal ranges, then overweight may be healthy for them. I feel it is a combination of both feeling good about your weight but also that you are healthy according to the normal medical parameters we set. If you are at low risk for heart disease or high blood pressure, then being a litte overweight is okay. If your are overweight, and you have a poor self image or low confidence, then being overweight is influencing your life, and is holding you back from being your best self. Don't tell yourself you are okay with this, and rationalize why you are overweight, this just keeps you from reaching your goals, and is negative talk. Now, if you have a long family history of heart disease, cancer or high blood pressure, that's a different story. Your weight can add to your risk in these circumstances, and being as close to "healthy" weight as possible will lower your risk factors, therefore you will likely live a longer life. When we get older these things matter more as we are less active, and more likely to keep on extra weight. It is all about balance. The number on the scale is not the be all, end all of healthy weight but don't be in denial about where you stand regarding your health. After all, what you put into your body is a marker of your health. If you are putting in fast foods, snack foods, salt and sugar, alcohol, nicotine, it is just a matter of time before these things catch up to your health. At some point, your body will fight back, and let you know that if you continue to treat "it" poorly, your body will start to break down. Begin a healthy diet with an exercise plan today, your heart and body will love you for it!!
Sincerely,
Julie Moore, FNP-BC
Nourish Wellness, LLC