Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. A healthy weight is the weight at which you feel good and have energy for work and play. It’s also a weight that lowers your risk for health problems. Tips below will help you determine how your weight can impact your health. You can also reach out to your health care provider for additional support.
When you’re at a healthy weight you’re at less risk of health problems such as:
Regardless of your gender, being at a healthy weight can make it easier to conceive a baby and help have a healthier pregnancy.
If your weight is affecting your health and quality of life, there are small changes that you can make.
Learn more about food and nutrition, physical activity and mental health.
Tools to assess your weight are just part of the picture. Many other things including physical activity and diet are also involved. For more information, talk with your healthcare provider about your weight and health.
To assess your weight:
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a calculation that uses your height and weight. It is a way to help you know if you’re under, at, or above a healthy weight.
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is in the healthy range. This range has the lowest risk of developing health problems.
While BMI gives you some information about your weight it might not give you the whole picture about your health.
Someone who has a BMI in the healthy range but doesn’t get enough physical activity may not be as healthy as someone with a higher BMI who is active. Also, if you’re a trained athlete you may have a lot of muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, which means that you may have a higher BMI but not have higher amounts of body fat.
You can use the BMI calculator to calculate your BMI. Your health care provider can also help you understand your BMI.
Waist Circumference
Waist circumference is another way to get some information on your weight and your risk of chronic disease. Measuring your waist circumference helps you know where fat is stored on your body.
For women, a waist measurement over 80 cm increases your risk of chronic disease.
For men, a waist measurement over 94 cm increases your risk of chronic disease.
BMI and waist circumference are just part of the picture. For more information, talk with your health care provider.
Being at a healthy weight can help your chances of conceiving a child.
If you are well below or well above a healthy weight, you may have more trouble becoming pregnant.
Being well below a healthy weight could affect your menstrual cycle, which sometimes leads to irregular periods. If you’re not ovulating (releasing an egg) you won’t be able to become pregnant. Your health care provider can suggest strategies to help you slowly gain weight.
Being well above a healthy weight can also affect your menstrual cycle, which sometimes stops ovulation (releasing an egg). Your health care provider can suggest strategies to support you.
For people with a BMI over 30, even a small amount of weight loss may increase the chances of becoming pregnant.
People who are well above a healthy weight can have changes in hormone levels (e.g., lower testosterone), which can cause problems getting or keeping an erection. They may also have a lower sperm count. This can make it harder to conceive a baby.
For more information about what is considered a healthy weight, click here.
Talk with your health care provider if you have concerns about your weight.
Learn more about fertility concerns.
Being at a healthy weight before pregnancy gives you a better chance of having a healthy pregnancy and can benefit the health of your future baby.
Pregnant people who are at a healthy weight are more likely to have a baby born at a healthy weight and time. This may also help lower the risk of health issues for you and your future baby.
The amount of weight that’s healthy for you to gain during pregnancy will depend on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Learn more about the amount of weight gain that’s right for you during pregnancy.
If your weight is affecting your health and quality of life, talk with your health care provider. They can connect you to resources in your community.
You can also call Health Link at 811 and ask to speak with a Dietitian about programs or services in your area.
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