Oct 04 2009
Blurt: How Do You Know if You’re Overweight?
Many times I am asked by people if they are overweight. For some people, like me, this is easy to determine by just looking in the mirror. However, since only 25% of Americans see themselves as being overweight or obese and the CDC reports 67% actually are obese or overweight, there are obviously people who are not sure of the answer to this question. (Read Blurt: Wake Up America! Are you Healthy?) I remember the old commercial saying you should not be able to pinch more than an inch; this is a good guide for some. There are several tools on the market to help you determine if you are overweight or obese. Let me first discuss the two most commonly used though I believe the third choice is the best option which I will explain why in a moment. Height and Weight Charts
The first tool you can utilize is height and weight charts like the ones below. I think these can be helpful however determining your frame size can be a challenge. To access this site to calculate your frame size click here.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
The second tool is to calculate your body mass index. This is a simple calculation and the resulting BMI number can be cross-referenced to the chart below to determine if you are underweight, normal, overweight or obese. The calculation is as follows:
Metric Units: BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height (m) x Height (m))
English Units: BMI = Weight (lb) / (Height (in) x Height (in)) x 703
Or if you do not feel like doing the math you can plug in your height and weight into a BMI calculator and it will give you your BMI number. To calculate your BMI this way click here.
Waist to Hip Ratio
The best tool I believe is the waist to hip ratio. It is easy to calculate and I believe it is a better measurement to define your overall health. Why? Well, let me ask you the same question proposed by Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser. Would you think someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger is overweight? Obviously the answer would be no. You would think he is a healthy individual. To calculate this ratio first measure your waist around the smallest circumference of your natural waist, usually just above the belly button. Next measure your hips at the widest part of your buttocks. To determine the ratio simply divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. Use this number to determine your health risk on the chart below.
For example: For Women: Waist / Hip ≤ 0.8 and For Men: Waist / Hip ≤ 0.95
Although they can be useful, sometimes using just our height and weight is not a good indicator of whether or not we are healthy. Where most of the body fat is located on your body is a better indicator of overall good health. People are considered to have a pear shaped body if they tend to gain weight mostly in their hips and buttocks. People who gain weight mostly in the abdomen have more of an apple shaped body.
You are considered to be at increased risk for health problems if you have an apple shaped body rather than a pear shaped body. These include problems associated with obesity, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. However, if you have an apple shaped body you can change your lifestyle to keep your weight at a healthy level by eating nutritiously, exercising, and maintaining other healthy lifestyle habits.
This does not mean only apple shaped people need to be concerned about their lifestyle habits; it is just one of those things to keep in mind. Pear shaped people still should take care to keep their weight within normal limits to avoid health problems associated with obesity.
It is important to know where you stand in regards to your weight and how it relates to your health. We must strive for knowledge and education so we can reduce the obesity rate in our society. We can live a happier and healthier lifestyle. All it takes is making healthy choices. If you find you are overweight after performing these calculations I encourage you to start thinking about the changes you must make for your health and for the health of your loved ones. I know it is hard to get started but just take it one step at a time. I am sure you can reach your goals. Take care and God bless.
Hi Old Man.
Oki admit i’m over weight , i hardly eat, more like a bird but still i don’t loose a pound of weight when young i was always slim but once passed 50 the scale just went up and up i think it’s build in to the genes all my relatives are heavy as they get older ,i drink a lot of water since i have kidney probs (4 liter ) and still no weight loss so it’s just hopeless.lol
Have a great day !
Will.
Hi Will,
You’re correct being overweight could be in your genes. It is really a question of balance and living a healthy lifestyle. Since you say you don’t eat very much that could be the problem. Your body may be hoarding all of the foods you eat knowing it will be awhile before it receives food again. Studies show eating smaller meals and eating more often is better. You may not be getting all of the nutrients your body needs. I recommend eating 3 meals a day and 2 healthy snacks.
Also as I said it is also about balance. You must be taking in less calories than the amount of calories you burn. You did not mention how much exercise you get so there again that could be the issue as well. You may not be getting enough exercise.
I myself never seemed to lose weight and was not eating that much. Once I started eating nutritiously and more often and adding exercise the pounds began to come off. It is difficult to get started if you try to change everything at once you can feel overwhelmed. Try changing one habit at a time. By taking baby steps little by little you should start seeing a difference.
Try recording the foods you eat in a journal and taking them to either a doctor, a dietitian, or a nutritionist and maybe they can make suggestions about how to change your diet in order for you to start losing weight. Have faith in yourself. You CAN and WILL do it!
Take care,
Brian, the old man