Learn How To Maintain a Healthy Weight

Weight loss is important no only to appearance but to your overall health as well. A healthy weight is the weight your body naturally settles into when you consistently eat a nutritious diet, are physically active, and balance the calories you eat with the physical activity you do. A person who is overweight according to body mass index (BMI) charts may be healthy if he or she eats a variety of healthy foods and exercises regularly. Your age, metabolism, genetics, and physical activity level also play an important role in your weight, health, and risk for disease. Consistently eating a balanced diet is far better than dieting for quick weight loss and then returning to your previous eating habits. Your risk of weight-related diseases may increase if your weight is above or below the recommended BMI range. People who are "apple-shaped" and store fat around their belly are at increased risk for diseases associated with being overweight compared with people who are "pear-shaped" and store most of their fat around their hips.

Healthy weight loss is achieved by maintaining a healthy eating and exercise plan. People who are thin but don't exercise or eat nutritious foods aren't necessarily healthy just because they are thin. Physical activity is key to improving your health and preventing serious illness. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

If you want a more structured way to get exercise, consider joining a health club or community center that offers fitness activities. If you have any medical conditions or you are not physically active, see your doctor before you begin to exercise. If you have heart problems, are at high risk for heart problems, or have joint problems, your doctor may want you to have some additional testing before you begin an exercise program. Once your doctor has given you the okay to exercise, you may want to add weight training to your program.

Being at a healthy weight can reduce your risk of weight-related diseases, such as coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. Whether you need help maintaining or achieving a healthy weight or living in a healthier lifestyle, this web program and Support Community will give you the help you need to succeed.