What is Weight Management?
Weight management means doing things to help you reach and keep a healthy weight. It involves making changes to your lifestyle such as eating healthier and being more active. These changes are meant to be long-term and part of your daily routine.
Why is Weight Management important?
It’s important for your health to keep a normal weight, as it can impact many aspects of your life. When you’re overweight, you’re more likely to have health issues and it can also affect how you feel about yourself, including your confidence, emotions, self-esteem, and mental health.
Why does weight change as people age?
As people get older, their body takes longer to turn food into energy which can make it easier to gain weight. To prevent this, some adults may need to be more active or eat less to reach or maintain a healthy weight.
What is BMI?
BMI, or body mass index, is a tool used by many people to screen and evaluate an individual’s weight.
What are the BMI categories?
Your BMI, or body mass index, can help determine if you’re underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Here are the different ranges:
BMI < 18.5: underweight
BMI 18.5 to < 25: healthy weight
BMI 25.0 to < 30: overweight
BMI > 30.0: obese
Obesity is further classified into subcategories based on the BMI:
Class 1 obesity: BMI 30 to < 35
Class 2 obesity: BMI 35 to < 40
Class 3 obesity (severe obesity): BMI > 40
How to calculate BMI?
There are two formulas that can be used to calculate BMI. The first formula uses the patient’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of the patient’s height in meters. The second formula uses the patient’s weight in pounds divided by the square of the patient’s height in inches, and then multiplies the result by 703.
Formula 1:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m^2)
Formula 2:
BMI = weight (lb) / height (in^2) x 703
Waist circumference?
Measuring waist circumference can help determine a person’s risk for certain diseases. When someone has too much fat around their stomach, they are at a higher risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. Waist circumference can be used as a screening tool, but it is not a diagnostic measure of body fat or overall health.
How much physical activity does one need?
Kids who are preschool-aged should try to stay active throughout the day to help them grow and develop. Children and teenagers should be active for at least 60 minutes a day doing activities that help their heart, muscles, and bones. Women who are pregnant or recently had a baby should try to be active for at least 150 minutes a week doing activities that make them a little sweaty. Adults should be active for at least 150 minutes a week doing things that make their heart work harder and things that make their muscles stronger. Older adults who are 65 years or older should also try to be active for at least 150 minutes a week doing activities that make their heart work a little harder and things that make their muscles and balance better.
Light activities are things like walking slowly or doing light housework. Moderate activities are things like brisk walking, dancing, or biking. Vigorous activities are things like hiking uphill, running, or doing heavy yard work.
Losing Weight:
Healthy weight loss isn’t just about following a specific diet or program, but rather making permanent lifestyle changes that include healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and stress management. Certain medications used to treat other conditions may make it more difficult to lose weight, as they can lead to weight gain.
Many people try to lose weight quickly, but those who aim for gradual and steady weight loss are more likely to maintain their weight loss over time. In general, cutting 500 calories a day can lead to a loss of half to one pound per week.
If you’re looking to lose weight, it’s important to speak with your doctor about the best strategies and medications that can help you achieve your goals while minimizing the risk of weight gain. Remember that healthy weight loss takes time and effort, but the benefits to your overall health and wellbeing are worth it.
Written by:
Stanley Skaria
Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate 2023
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
St. Joseph’s University
References:
“Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 June 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html.
Malia Frey, M.A. “What Waist Circumference Can Tell You about Your Health.” Verywell Fit, Verywell Fit, 5 Oct. 2022, https://www.verywellfit.com/what-is-waist-circumference-3495558.