What you SHOULD weigh? Hmm…

Welcome once again to this Health and Fitness blog. Here is another fascinating snippet of health related news for you to read all about:

There it is. The word that I believe could use a bit of a time out is “should” especially when it comes to weight. But that doesn’t answer the question what should you weigh?

There is no such thing as a specific number or ideal when it comes to an individual’s weight! We’ve got to find a way to let go of that concept! What each person weighs is influenced by many different factors. The bottom line is that I am NOT a weight or number in a doctor’s chart and neither are you!

The number on the scale can have incredible power if you let it. It can make or break your day. Don’t give it that kind of power! Ah…that’s much easier said than done.

As much as I would like to tell you differently I am NOT always immune from letting the weight scales affect how I feel. So how might the number on the scale be put in its place? Can you reframe how you feel about your weight and have it be no more than one of many factors that may or may not be reflective of your health and wellness.

To begin, you want to have an idea of what a healthy weight range MIGHT be for someone of your sex, age, and height. You will find there is a range of weights that may or may not fit your circumstances.

The most current weight tables used today are based on the relationship of weight and height to the risk for developing disease. Doctors use a measurement called BMI or body mass index to make the assessment. This index is far from perfect! It was not meant to be used as a guideline for some kind of pre-determined level of perfection that may be unrealistic to achieve.

There used to be other tables you could consult to get a sense of your weight in comparison with others of a similar sex, age, and height. However, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company stopped publishing its ideal weight and height table in 1983. The U.S. Department of Agriculture last published its healthy weight table in 1995. These tables may not have been a big loss because each was far from perfect.

BMI

It is possible to weigh significantly more than the suggested weight range of the body mass index (BMI) and still be healthy! Does that mean you should ignore the range or your doctor’s advice to take off some weight? NO. Your doctor makes an assessment about your health based on many factors. Weight is only one factor.

So if you use your BMI to assess what might be a healthy weight for you, please be realistic. Make sure your personal goals are in alignment with what would be good for your looks AND your health!

I share this because I get quite a number of questions with respect to the challenges faced with weight loss. A certain percentage of women ask me to help them figure out what they are doing wrong when they may simply be fighting nature in an unhealthy way. For others the desire to lose a LOT of weight may sound good but may also be unrealistic unless your doctor is strongly advising a major loss of weight for the sake of your health. Please stay in touch with your doctor before you get overly frustrated attempting to achieve something that may not be necessary or even wise.

Weight loss is difficult for most people, especially women. If you need to lose some weight and you can manage to take off 5-10% of your body weight mostly in the form of fat, you will likely do yourself a world of good. A loss of this much weight can significantly reduce your risk for health challenges of many kinds.

On the other hand, if you WANT to lose more and you have an acceptable healthy goal, then it is possible. Yes. But I will be very honest. It can be hard. And unfortunately it can be harder for some people then it is for others. Weight loss may require a major shift in your eating habits, your attitudes, and your lifestyle. Do take some time to determine what healthy approach you will take.

Many people can be successful with an overall balanced approach to weight loss that doesn’t put an emphasis on reducing caloric intake disproportionately with one food category or another. Others do better with a low fat approach with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans (legumes), nuts and seeds with some fish and seafood and only a little lean meat and low fat dairy. This is comparable to a Mediterranean diet approach. And then there are those who will thrive on a low carb approach in the manner of the South Beach Diet or New Atkins. (see: Low carb, low fat, or balanced low calorie)

There is no such thing as a one size fits all approach to diets and weight loss. Knowing this may make all the difference in your ability to lose weight and successfully maintain that lose.

All of this discussion sets the stage for how you monitor your weight loss and whether or not daily or weekly weighing on a weight scale is an appropriate choice for you. Weighing in can be useful but it is NOT for everyone. I’ll talk about that next time. In the meantime please be careful with the question what should you weigh.

You may be able to get the full story by clicking here:
Women and Weight Website

Also, check out this great weight loss and health site for more ways to lose weight and stay healthy.

Health and Fitness

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