- Excess body weight increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, gallbladder disease, obstructive sleep apnea and other serious illnesses. It also increases the risk of accidental injury to muscles and bones.
- Insufficient body weight related to poor nutrition may also have serious health consequences, including heart problems, osteoporosis, infertility, depression and a weakened immune system.
Body Mass Index
Health professionals have developed various methods for assessing weight. One of the simplest self-evaluation methods is the Body Mass Index (BMI). This index measures the relationship between an individual’s height and weight.
Body shape counts
Whether a person is overweight or not, certain health risks have been associated with fat stored around the chest and abdomen, surrounding internal organs such as the heart. Excess fat in this region increases the pressure on internal organs.
Body shape generally falls into two types: “apple-shaped” and “pear-shaped” individuals. “Apple-shaped” individuals are at greater risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and gallbladder disease. Weight loss can normally resolve this problem.
Hip-Waist Ratio
The Hip-Waist Ratio is used to assess the body shape risk factor. It is a simple tool to assess where your body stores fat.
Healthy weight
Over half the population, including teenagers, has problems maintaining a healthy weight and is therefore at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and other serious health complications.
Why? Several factors play a role, including an aging population. But this phenomenon is primarily due to poor nutrition and an insufficient level of physical activity.
The equation is simple: an individual who consumes more energy (calories) than he or she burns will gain weight.
A few tips…
If you are gaining weight and want to take control of the situation, the following tips should put you on the right track once and for all.
- Adopting a healthy and well-balanced nutrition together with your favourite physical activity is the best way of achieving and, most importantly, maintaining a healthy weight in the long run.
- By increasing your fruit, vegetable and water intake, you can reduce your appetite without adding fat to your diet.
- There are no miracle diets and an overly aggressive weight loss program can be dangerous to your health.
- Do not hesitate to consult your physician or a dietitian for professional advice on weight loss.
For more tips on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle, read our nutrition and physical activity sections.