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Weight management means keeping your body weight at a healthy level.
Information
Regular exercise and a healthy diet are a must when it comes to controlling your weight. A weight management plan depends on whether you are overweight or underweight.
An easy way to determine your own desirable body weight is to use the following formula:
- Women: 100 pounds for the first 5 feet of height plus 5 pounds for each additional inch.
- Men: 106 pounds of body weight for the first 5 feet of height plus 6 pounds for each additional inch.
- For a small body frame, 10% should be subtracted. For a large frame, 10% should be added.
Body fat and body mass measurements are used to determine whether a person is under- or overweight. A registered dietitian or exercise physiologist can help you calculate your body fat. The recommended amount of body fat differs for men and women.
For women:
- Recommended amount of body fat: 20% - 21%.
- The average American woman has approximately 22% - 25% body fat.
- A woman with more than 30% body fat is considered obese.
For men:
- Recommended amount: 13% - 17%
- Adult men in the United States average 17 - 19% body fat
- 25% or higher is considered obese.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a indirect measurement of your body composition. It takes into consideration both your weight and height. BMI helps determine your risk for certain diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.
To calculate your BMI, see
It is important to note that the terms "overweight" and "obese" do NOT mean the same thing. See
Weight management for people who have been overweight involves continued physical activity and monitoring of the amount of food eaten.
UNDERWEIGHT
