Gaining weight doesn’t need to be an inevitable part of getting older. Make a commitment today not to put on any more weight. It’s one of the best things you can do for your health.
Why draw the line on gaining weight?
Being overweight can have a serious impact on your health and lifestyle. Being above the healthy weight range can increase you risk of:
Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, gall bladder disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint problems such as gout, arthritis and joint pain, sleep problems, a range of social issues such as discrimination, social isolation and poor self-esteem.
The more extra weight you carry, the higher your risk of developing these types of health problems.
Being in the healthy weight range will help you to feel more energetic and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and depression’.
Am I a healthy weight?
There are two measure you can use to help answer this question.
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a body fat estimate based on a comparison of your height to your weight. To measure your BMI, divide your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in metres) squared. A healthy BMI is a between 18.5-24.0. To find out more about BMI and to calculate your own, click here to visit the Cancer Council website.
- Waist Measurement
Measuring your waistline is a simple way of checking if you are at risk of developing chronic disease. This is because carrying too much fat around your waist (surrounding your internal organs) is more dangerous to your health than carrying fat elsewhere on the body.
Measuring your waist is simple to do, just follow the points below:
- Place the measuring tape directly against your skin.
- Breathe out normally.
- Check that the measuring tape fits snug, without compressing your skin.
- Measure halfway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone, roughly in line with your belly button.
Males: If your waist measurement is over 94cm your risk of developing a chronic disease is increased.
Females: If your waist is more than 80cm your risk of developing a chronic disease is increased.
Visit www.measureup.gov.au for more information on measuring your waist.
For more information explore the links below:
How do I draw the line on my weight?
It's time to draw the line
To find out more about how your weight might be affecting your health, talk to your doctor.